Cityscape Issue 09 May 2018

MAY 2018

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CHRISTCHURCH CURATED | YOUR MONTHLY FIX We rock May by catching up with local muso on the rise Marlon Williams, checking out Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Dancing With Mozart and chatting with former Christchurch choreographer Corey Baker and metal priestess Courtney Cox (above) from The Iron Maidens, and meeting the creator of hañsa yoga – plus all you need to own this month.

CITYSCAPE MONTHLY May 2018 Issue 09

CONTENTS

May 2018 In this issue

CEO/Director Andrea Rickerby Editor Isaac Wilson Sub Editor Ben Allan Editorial Assistant Jessica Wells Creative Tristan Brehaut Account Manager Derek Thorp Accounts Administrator Claire Ross NEED TO GET IN TOUCH? Editorial and Advertising Enquiries: 03 366 3340 info@somocreative.co.nz www.cityscape.co.nz

PUBLISHED BY

SOMO Creative Ltd PO Box 13 717 Christchurch Cityscape is a division of SOMO Creative Ltd. Cityscape is subject to copyright in its entirety. Opinions expressed in Cityscape are not necessarily those of Cityscape. Editorial contributions welcome.

No responsibility taken for unsolicited submissions.

Prizewinners will be notified by phone and email. If Cityscape is unable to contact the winner within 14 days, Cityscape reserves the right to draw another winner. Cityscape reserves the right to use image/ name of competition entrants for publicity purposes.

04 15 20 32 42 Download the Cityscape App and join our digital community for lovers of style, food, music, lifestyle, travel, beauty and culture!

04 NEWSFEED Tip-offs, trends and more.

17 STYLE FILES What’s hot this month.

18 MAKE WAY FOR MARLON Rising star Marlon Williams.

20 COSI FAN TUTU RNZB’s Dancing With Mozart.

24 HOOP, THERE IT IS In2Hula’s Bernadette Smith.

26 MIDAS TOUCH Real estate guru Mary Turnbull.

27 LIFE IN HAÑSA Kiwi yoga legend Vincent Bolletta.

30 MAIDEN VOYAGE Courtney Cox of tribute rock group The Iron Maidens.

32 THE MO-SSIAH Chatting Chopper with Aussie comedian Heath Franklin.

34 JAZZ IT UP The NZ Jazz & Blues Festival.

36 ENTERTAIN ME Film, music, books, games, & TV. 39 FOOD & DRINK Eating and drinking in the city.

46 THE LAST WORD Choreographer Corey Baker.

ON THE COVER

GUITAR HERO Guitarist Courtney Cox hits the city on May 26 for a kickass gig with the world’s best (and all female) Iron Maiden tribute group, The Iron Maidens. See our Q&A with Courtney on page 30.

International Standard Serial Number ISSN 2537-933X print, ISSN 2537-9348 online

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Want cutting-edge web design and development, head-turning creative, game-changing PR & social media strategies, brand-bolstering event partnering, and industry-leading publishing? You’ve come to the right place. The skilled and dedicated team of attention-grabbing writers, wildly talented designers and creative thinkers behind Cityscape magazine know Christchurch and New Zealand intimately, and have all the right connections.

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In the Water of the Tiger in Silence (2014), glitter and synthetic polymer on canvas (1800 x 1400 mm). Photo: Bridget Webber

Newsfeed

TIP-OFFS, TRENDS & MORE

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Dynamic Auckland artist Reuben Paterson is bringing his glitter and diamond dust creations to The Central this month for his first major solo exhibition, You were Blue and I was Purple (May 17 – Jun 17).

Paterson’s latest exhibition draws on his classic floral motifs and incorporates aspects of Cook Island tivaevae. thecentral.co.nz

Es Hora De Fiesta!

The city’s most authentic Mexican restaurant, Alvarados Mexican Cantina, is back in the CBD, rocking some fierce new digs at 150 Lichfield Street.

You’ll find the pimped-up, new-look Alvarados tucked down a funky new laneway in the Innovation Precinct (look for the wrought-iron gates). A brightly-coloured ode to the spectacle that is Day of the Dead, the frosty interior and killer courtyard were inspired by the team of Mexican chefs in the kitchen (and their families back home!). More good news: you’ll also find some nifty additions to the menu (relax, your faves are still there!) from head chef/Mexican culinary queen Karla Villa Delgado. It’s open from 7am all week; new brekky options include molletes, gorditas and chilaquiles, while Mexican beers in the fridges and over 100 tequilas offer numerous reasons to stay on well into the evening! FB/alvaradosmexicancantina

A TANGLED WEBB British funnyman Robert Webb is one half of double-act (David) Mitchell and Webb, the team behind the long-running and acclaimed UK sitcom Peep Show and the often sidesplitting cult sketch show That Mitchell and Webb Look. He recently turned author, and hits Charles Luney Auditorium in a special WORD Christchurch literary event on May 15. Speaking about his memoir How Not To Be A Boy with fellow comedian Michele A’Court, he’ll touch on his experience with gender conditioning and the severe repercussions this had on his childhood and adulthood. wordchristchurch.co.nz

Google Us Cityscape’s more than just the sweet print mag you’ve got in your hand; read online at cityscape.co.nz and download the Cityscape App at Google Play or the App Store.

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South African rockers Seether would like to be very clear about one thing: they are “not your bog-standard riff-mongers”. Hot off the back of their heaviest album yet, Poison The Parish, which was released in May last year, the hard-charging three-piece (Shaun Morgan on vocals/guitar, Dale Stewart on bass/vocals, and John Humphrey on drums) are headed our way on their current world tour to deliver one of their rowdy live shows, storming in to the Isaac Theatre Royal on May 28. Heavily influenced by groups like Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and Soundgarden, and always intent on blasting the roof off wherever they go (be careful with the Theatre Royal though, team), the band is famous among fans for giving their all on stage. With tracks from the new album like ‘Stoke The Fire’ and ‘Let You Down’ joining previous big hits like ‘Broken’ (which hit number 2 in New Zealand), ‘Fake It’, ‘Rise Above This’, ‘Fine Again’, ‘Gasoline’, and ‘Remedy’, this will be a can’t-miss date for modern rock fans. “We want to bring back musicality, playing loud, and the importance of having something to say that you can stand behind,” says frontman Morgan. “Make people’s lives better in some way. That’s really the point.” Exercise those head-banging muscles now; you’ll wanna be ready. seether.com

Image: Marina Chavez

ABSOLUTELY SEETHING

Awk-Word: Shooketh Gone are the days of just saying ‘shook’ to mean something utterly crazy just happened to you; ‘shooketh’ (as in “I am shooketh”) is where it’s at. Traceable back to YouTube, shooketh is being dropped more times than Donald Trump’s threats to nuke North Korea. Fact.

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Image: Steve McNicholas

PUTTING THEIR FOOT DOWN Award-winning global phenomenon STOMP will be bringing the noise when they touch down on our stomping ground for seven performances at the Isaac Theatre Royal (May 16 – 20). Nothing but the clang and bang of makeshift instruments – think supermarket trolleys, plastic bags and the utterly random kitchen sink – will fill the theatre when the performers hammer out their explosively feel-good rhythm. STOMP’s universal language of rhythm, theatre, comedy and dance has resonated with audiences the world over, with feet stamping, fingers drumming and adrenaline coursing through the veins of audience members. A visual masterpiece, STOMP combines wordless and witty fun with stunning sets and backdrops – there’s a reason this New York, West End and international sensation has been around for two decades. stomptour.co.nz

TECH IT OUT!

PHONE HOME THEATRE With estimates suggesting half of all video content is now viewed on mobile devices, most of us are familiar with hunching over a small screen to take in a bit of YouTube or Netflix. But urgh, the screen of even the largest phone is only so big. Enter the Movi! The Android phone from WMS, which retails for US$599, makes use of laser technology to provide its own discrete in-built HD 720p projector. Grab your Movi and any handy flat surface, and you’ve got a screen of up to 100-inches anywhere, anytime on which to enjoy your favourite digital content: movies, internet video, games, or that presentation you’ve been working on. With a battery life of about 4 hours with the projector on, you’ve time enough for a double feature! moviphones.com

Image: Scott Hull

Soul Deep

Iconic hard-living Aussie rocker Jimmy Barnes is set to take fans on an epic aural and visual spectacle when Working Class Man: An Evening of Stories and Songs Barnestorms the Isaac Theatre Royal (May 7 & 8). A follow-up to predecessor Working Class Boy, this performance is a gritty tell-all-tale of the music legend’s adult life, featuring personal moments from his early Cold Chisel days through to the triumphs and failures of a solo career lived at the edge. Expect a brutally honest account of the successes and excesses that have made up one of Australia’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll tales, accompanied by stripped-back tunes from his epic back catalogue. jimmybarnes.com

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Modern Life

New Yorker music critic and author Alex Ross hit a golden note and topped literary best-seller lists with his revelatory and compelling The Rest Is Noise, a history of 20th Century music. Now this expert’s heading our way, and will be accompanied by exquisite mezzo-soprano Bianca Andrew and New Zealand’s sensational modern music ensemble STROMA for a remarkable collaboration at The Piano on May 30. Expect a tasting session of modern chamber music that will wind through the ages and feature work by artists such as Ravel, Bartok, Stravinsky and the modernist master, Schoenberg, accompanied by Ross’ fascinating and knowledgeable insights. chambermusic.co.nz

WHEN A STRANGER CALLS Wellington muso on the rise Nicole Andrews is bringing her new tunes our

way on May 18, hitting the Wunderbar as part of her album release tour for A Stranger, her sophomore album dropping at the start of the month. The singer and electronic musician is conducting a bit of musical self-exploration with the new LP, drawing on influences such as Bjork, Goldfrapp and Massive Attack for 11 melancholic tracks of industrial beats, eerie synth, and confessional lyrics – a bit of a breakaway from her previous ‘piano songs’ style, and one which has resulted in a darker, grittier album. She’ll be heading overseas with the new tunes after the showing for local audiences; get in now to see her before she blows up big. nicoleandrewsmusic.com 07

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GIVE IT A WHIRL

Feeling feisty? Why not rumble it out on the roller rink à la Drew Barrymore and Ellen Page in Whip It? Roller derby is fast, furious, and booming on the global scene, and sees two teams of five skaters circling a track battling it out to allow their designated ‘jammer’ through to score points by lapping the ladies of the opposition (sorry boys, this is a female-only contact sport). Plus you get to pick a bitchin’ track name and enjoy a whole lotta sisterly camaraderie. Hit the site of local league Dead End Derby for more. deadendderby.org

PACK YOUR BAGS

Transforming the city into a stunning outdoor gallery, Vivid Sydney’s killer annual light, music and ideas festival (the world’s largest) is a great reason to cross the ditch this month. Catch the (literal) bright lights of the big city during this three-week, multi-sensory extravaganza (May 25 – Jun 16) of good times that sees iconic monuments lit up, endless dance parties, musical performances from the likes of Cat Power, Solange, Mazzy Star, Ice Cube, Neil Finn, St Vincent and jazz legend Lea DeLaria, and the meeting of some extraordinary minds, including film-maker, marine explorer and NASA advisor James Cameron. vividsydney.com

Images: Destination NSW and James Horan

SUPERNOVA

You, Water, Know So Christchurch’s famously un-chlorinated water is now chlorinated: bummer. It’s a drag but a necessary one, as work is completed to make underground well heads secure against the small risk of contamination entering the water supply (chlorine tastes better than campylobacter feels!). The good news is that the move is expected to be temporary, and chlorination (which is in use all over the country and the world) poses zero health risks.

In the meantime though, us chlorine-sensitive Christchurchians could find ourselves dealing with that chemical taste that we’re not used to. Not to worry! There’s a couple of options for ridding water of the flavour. One solution is to fill up an open jug and leave it in your fridge for a bit; chlorine evaporates, and the taste will dissipate somewhat over a few hours. A more comprehensive solution is water filters (see right) – chlorine can be removed at the tap with an activated carbon filter. Worried about your fish? Turn down your outdoor pond’s incoming water to a trickle (diluting the chlorine level to a safe amount for your finned friends), or when changing water in indoor tanks, fill up a container of water and let it sit for 24 hours, then integrate this into your tank supply a third at a time. If you’re still a bit concerned, you can buy de-chlorinating kits at most pet stores.

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H2WHOA! Hating on the smell and taste of our newly chlorinated water? We caught up with Edward Gibbon’s Lesley Storm on some solutions to restoring the sparkle to our once-loved drinking water. edwardgibbon.co.nz

IN THE KITCHEN Puretec’s PureMix-X7 is an easily installed, entry-level solution that sits under your kitchen sink and attaches to your tap.

Offering 4 levels of filtration, it strips out the bad taste, odour and chlorine itself (along with other nasties). New filters can be easily switched in.

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THE WHOLE HOUSE No one likes hopping out the shower smelling like a public pool, which is where Puretec’s WH2-60 whole-house solution comes in. This dual water filter system ensures spring-quality water out of every faucet in the house – drink, shower, bathe, and launder away!

MARKET WATCH

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FEELING BLUE

Country Creams

A regular at the Riccarton Market since it opened, Henrietta Rutherford-Jones has some serious experience in researching and creating natural skin care products. Her Country Creams range would never stoop to include any artificial nasties (such as parabens, preservatives, boric acid, fragrances, or a host of other chemical baddies); instead they incorporate natural and botanical ingredients such as Manuka honey, jasmine, lavender, citrus, and many other plant oils. Much of Henrietta’s knowledge of these botanicals is drawn from her mother’s rich Tongan/European background and her own frequent travels to India, which she travelled to for years as a volunteer for Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta. Working out of her dual home/workspace of a converted historic church and Sunday school hall near Waimate, she heads to the Riccarton Market every Sunday to showcase her hand, face and body creams, moisturisers, perfumes, deodorants, massage oil/creams and lip balms, each of which are animal-cruelty free, and perfect for some everyday self-pampering. henriettascountrycreams.com

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Donatella Versace’s latest tantalising fragrance, Versace Pour Femme Dylan Blue (100ml RRP $189), is a heady alchemy of irresistible notes that dance, arouse and engage. Playfully pairing blackcurrant with woody notes, the concoction is bottled in a strikingly-designed vessel, with Versace’s iconic Medusa emblem emblazoned on the exterior.

UNCOVERED

CTRL ALT ROCK

THE FIRING LINE Cityscape meets the man behind The Caffeine Laboratory legend – James Bagrie – at his bustling New Regent Street café.

WE CALL BULLSHIT ON… …PARKING IN THE CITY

WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE THE CAFFEINE LABORATORY? After being open for nearly 10 years, it’s hard to remember... but I worked in cafés in Melbourne for a few years, then travelled South America for a year before opening our first shop.

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO A KILLER ESPRESSO? Well-roasted beans followed by a barista with a strong passion and an eye for detail. Good banter helps a lot too! WHAT’S YOUR CAFFEINATED BEVERAGE OF CHOICE? Long Black. I also love a cold-brew coffee over ice on a hot day. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people from all walks of life that we deal with on a day-to-day basis.

From our customers, to our staff and suppliers – they’re a crazy bunch! WHAT’S YOUR BIGGEST CUSTOMER PET PEEVE? Unhappy customers going away and placing negative reviews online without bringing it to the attention of the staff at the time!

WHAT’S ONE THING YOUR CUSTOMERS MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU? I’ve got two boys, Joaquin (5) and Rafael (2), and have harness racing running through my blood. caffeinelab.co.nz

You’ve found a sweet spot, have indulged in whatever activity you set out for, and all is well – until you wander back to your car and get slapped in the face by a little parking stub that’s asking you to part with some serious coin. We get it – you’ve gotta pay for using a car park, but should you have to break the bank? With the central city essentially overflowing with car parks/car park buildings and businesses crying out for crowds to return to the central city, isn’t this counterintuitive? Shout out to the CCC, who are supplying us all with an hour’s free parking at the Art Gallery or Lichfield Street carpark buildings until June 30.

#SHOEPORN A vision in Art Deco-inspired elegance, LK Bennett’s Matilde in black velvet (RRP $699) from Issimo totally crushes it in the style stakes – we likey (a lot)!

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With a music repertoire that spans seven decades, five-man collective, four-piece band CTRL ALT ROCK deal in a huge range of songs that range from pop, rock, reggae, and country to everything in between. Over a decade long existence Alister, Zaine, Nigel, Nick and Jordan have taken turns on lead guitar duties and built a solid rep for vibrant shows that keep events (such as the city’s recent Golden Oldies Sports Celebration) and nights out buzzing. Look out for them on the regular at Carlton and Micky Finn’s, as well as probably the next wedding or corporate event you go to! ctrlaltrock.co.nz

Group Therapy

Want to take your Star Wars fandom next level?

Perhaps you need to sign up for a tour of duty with The 501st Legion. The international club and its New Zealand branch, Outpost 42 (which has several Christchurch-based members), dedicates itself to some seriously authentic Star Wars costuming from the bad-guy half of the equation. Cosplay is a big deal in pop culture circles, but these guys are old (cut-off?) hands; the organisation has been running globally since 1997. Outpost 42 hits dozens of charity and family events each year to thrill young and old alike and live up to their slogan of ‘Bad guys doing good’. You’ll need your own movie-ready costume to earn your membership in these elite ranks, though; decide which baddie you wanna be, then get online to check out the costuming options available. Just can’t bring yourself to join the Dark Side? Then look up sister organisation Rebel Legion, which deals in the goodies! nz501st.com

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REVIEW

SWAN SONG Cityscape indulges in a much-needed and blissful escape/massage in the swank surrounds of Lotus at Siam Thai Day Spa. The simple act of turning up the gravel driveway into the Zen-like oasis of the exquisitely manicured, historic Swan Gardens’ rolling lush lawns is a catharsis in itself. Surrounded by birdlife and somehow just seconds from Colombo Street, Lotus at Siam Thai Day Spa is a blessed escape from the hustle and bustle of city-stressed living.

Once inside the grandeur of the lovingly-cared-for Swan Lake House mansion, I’m met with huge smiles, traditional Thai greetings, lulling soft music and the intoxicating, heady aromas of Elemis spa products and exotic oils. As I’m sipping Lotus’ deliciously feisty homemade ginger tea amongst the refined opulence of the waiting room, my therapist L talks me through the massages and oils.

Combining characteristics of European massage, chiropractic and acupressure methodologies, the Thai Sports treatment, I’m told, will increase serotonin and endorphins to aid quick recovery, while the free-radical properties of the patchouli and ylang-ylang oil blend will nourish and stimulate my skin and mind alike. The perfect combo to shake off some lingering post-deadline stress, then!

L puts her nimble digits to work, pummelling my knotted flesh into submission as I lay face down in the darkened room. Slackening out on the long strokes of the Thai Sports treatment, L works her forearms and elbows into the routine. With each exhale I melt deeper into the table, weightless and floating in an endless abyss of bliss. Such is her skill (and my euphoria-induced disorientation) that there are times it feels like there is more than one pair of hands on me, and I’m tempted to open my eyes to check. Stretched, manipulated and realigned, I can feel the tingle-inducing scalp massage finale in my toes. I step out into the warm evening an energised, revitalised and slightly delirious new man.

9 Ernlea Terrace, 03 980 5400, lotusspa.co.nz

Mum’s the word

Mother’s Day (May 13) inspo from The Colombo.

Status Anxiety The Ascendants Fur Bag (RRP $219.95) from Stencil

Slippettes with Pompoms (RRP $25) from Redcurrent

Nesting Dolls (RRP $32.99) from Trade Aid

Short Story Bath Blend (RRP $34.99) from Collective

Home Fragrance Set (RRP $34.99) from Bolt of Cloth

Dipped Concrete Pot (RRP $15) from Industria

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Ikea Klipsk Foldable Bed Tray (RRP $35) from Nordic Chill

THE MONTH IN CULTURE CMNZ: BEHN QUARTET LIVE MUSIC Christchurch-born

Kate Oswin brings her award-winning all-female string quartet home for an energetic and inspiring concert.

The Piano, Tue 1 May, chambermusic.co.nz

mash-up, performing the biggest hits from their bands’ repertoires.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Sun 13 May, premier.ticketek.co.nz

CARL BARRON: DRINKING WITH A FORK

NEW ZEALAND JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL

COMEDY Aussie stand-up

CHRISTCHURCH TOY & HOBBY FAIR

IN THE NEXT ROOM, OR THE VIBRATOR PLAY

EXPO Collectables, vintage,

THEATRE The Court brings us

rarities and favourites are gathered at this big ol’ celebration of all things toys – now an annual event – that’s a must for collectors, kids, and kids-at-heart.

Canterbury Caledonian Society Hall, Sun 6 May, toyandhobbyfair.wordpress.com

Sarah Ruhl’s acclaimed play, which deals with the early history of the vibrator, when doctors used it as a clinical treatment for “hysteria”.

The Court Theatre, Sat 12 May – Sat 2 Jun, courttheatre.org.nz

JIMMY BARNES: WORKING CLASS MAN

LIVE MUSIC A stellar cast

comedy legend Carl Barron brings his unique brand of observational humour and storytelling to town.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Fri 4 May, carlbarron.com

CMNZ: PHANTASM LIVE MUSIC The very best viol

ensemble in the world today, the Phantasm Consort, visits for Purcell, Mozart, Bach, and more.

The Piano, Sat 5 May, chambermusic.co.nz

LIVE MUSIC/PERFORMANCE This

tour sees the Oz-rock icon telling the story of his adult life and singing stripped-back versions of his songs.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Mon 7/Tue 8 May, ticketek.co.nz

RICHARD DAWKINS: SCIENCE IN THE SOUL TALK The iconic

STOMP

CSO: WEILL – FROM BERLIN TO BROADWAY (Amelia Berry, Phoebe Hurst and Kristian Lavercombe) led by conductor Luke Di Somma performs Weill’s classics such as ‘Mack the Knife’, ‘Alabama Song’ and ‘Pirate Jenny’, as well as music he inspired.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Sat 12 May, cso.co.nz

STOMP

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Sketchy’s crew return with The Good, The Bad and The Sketchy, featuring special guest Jonny Rampage.

Two Thumbs Brewery, Thu 17 May, FB/drsketchys.chch

THE OLD FOREST HANMER 100 SPORT/FITNESS This off-road

trail event for the hardcore offers the Ultra 50km distance as well as 50 miles (80.5 km), 100km and 100 miles (161km!) options, all set on a stunning forest loop in the alpine Hanmer Forest.

Hanmer Springs Forest Camp, Fri 18 May, stjamesmountainsports.co.nz

CSO DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY DINNER GALA The Christchurch

witty and high-energy global percussion/dance phenomenon is back to hammer out another bangin’ production of unmissable stage magic.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Wed 16 – Sun 20 May, stomptour.co.nz

BOYZLIFE

TECHWEEK

LIVE MUSIC Lead vocalists Brian

Image: Steve McNicholas

PERFORMANCE/ART The Dr

Symphony Orchestra celebrates 60 years at the heart of the city’s musical life with this black-tie event featuring a lavish dinner, performances by the orchestra and guest artists, and fundraising opportunities.

Christchurch Art Gallery, Sat 19 May, cso.co.nz

PERFORMANCE The wordless,

promoter of scientific literacy and antitheism discusses religious dogma, evolution and the unending possibilities of science.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Fri 11 May, thinkinc.org.au

DR SKETCHY’S ANTI-ART SCHOOL

McFadden from Westlife and Keith Duffy from Boyzone combine for a concert

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EXPO Showcasing local, national

and international tech and innovation, techweek helps people and organisations

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understand and manage global trends and digital disruption.

Various locations, Sat 19 – Sun 27 May, techweek.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL LIVE MUSIC The popular music

LIVE MUSIC Michael Houstoun

rejoins the CSO to perform Lyell Cresswell’s second piano concerto, a work inspired by the chorales of JS Bach, with Mozart and Peter Maxwell Davies’ sassy ‘Mavis In Las Vegas’ rounding out the programme.

Charles Luney Auditorium, Sat 26 May, cso.co.nz

MARLON WILLIAMS

fest returns with a groovy line up of local and international talent, headlined by superstar US jazz vocalist Kurt Elling.

Various venues, Wed 23 – Sun 27 May, jazzbluesfestival.co.nz

CSO: SIN CITY, GOLDEN CITY

intent on blasting the roof off, South African rockers Seether will rock fans to a state of nirvanic rhapsody.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Mon 28 May, premier.ticketek.co.nz

LIVE MUSIC/TALK Alex Ross, who

hit best seller lists with his revelatory history of 20th Century music The Rest Is Noise, joins mezzo-soprano Bianca Andrew and NZ’s pre-eminent modern music ensemble STROMA. The Piano, Wed 30 May, chambermusic.co.nz

JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE of legendary Led Zep drummer “Bonzo”, presents the ultimate tribute concert experience, with a sensational band banging out a setlist of rarities and classics.

Horncastle Arena, Thu 31 May, jblzedownunder.com

HEATH FRANKLIN’S CHOPPER – BOGAN JESUS COMEDY Heath Franklin’s

THE IRON MAIDENS

LIVE MUSIC Marlon shows off his

(and only all-female) Iron Maiden tribute act are bringing their intense and electrifying live show to Christchurch for a night jam-packed with classics from the iconic metal group.

The Foundry, Sat 26 May, theironmaidens.com

new album Make Way For Love for locals during a tour that takes him to 46 cities around the world.

The Foundry, Mon 21/Wed 23 May, ticketmaster.co.nz

BEYOND THE BARRICADE

LIVE MUSIC The world’s best

LIVE MUSIC Past principal

SEETHER

performers from Les Misérables hit us with crowd favourite songs from the greatest West End and Broadway musicals including Chicago, Wicked, West Side Story and The Phantom of the Opera.

Isaac Theatre Royal, Fri 25/Sat 26 May, beyondthebarricade.co.nz

LIVE MUSIC Fresh off their

heaviest album to date and

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The low-down on some of the hottest upcoming events and international acts near and far.

CMNZ: ALEX ROSS WITH BIANCA ANDREW & STROMA

LIVE MUSIC Jason Bonham, son

MARLON WILLIAMS: MAKE WAY FOR LOVE TOUR

DIARIES OUT

Chopper is back, this time to start a new religion in his own image. Gather round and become a Chopostle!

Aurora Centre for the Performing Arts, Thu 31 May/ Fri 1 Jun, laughingstock.co.nz

CHRISTCHURCH ARMAGEDDON EXPO 2018 EXPO The geek-chic expo

returns to Horncastle Arena over the Queen’s Birthday weekend with special guests, cosplay contests, laser tag, card tournaments, and plenty of covetable collectables.

Horncastle Arena, Sat 2 – Mon 4 Jun, armageddonexpo.com

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LOCAL Epic magician Dynamo will be wowing audiences with his mesmerising illusions when he takes to the stage in Christchurch (Jul 20/21), the New Zealand International Film Festival (various locations and dates around the country; expect August-ish likely in Christchurch) is back and sure to have a stellar line-up of films, WORD Christchurch (Aug 29 – Sep 2) won’t disappoint, with an epic five-day programme of literary goodness, and wine connoisseurs will be spoilt for choice when the South Island Wine & Food Festival (above), an epic day jam-packed with the best food and beverages, takes over Hagley Park (Dec 1) – tix to this will be dropping very soon!

OUT OF TOWN Iconic songstress Celine Dion makes her way to Kiwi shores for the first time in two decades, with three performances in Auckland (Aug 11/12 and 14).

Katy Perry (Aug 20/21), pop diva Mariah Carey (Oct 7), and Sam Smith (Nov 2/3) will also be touching down with their killer sets at Spark Arena, and megastar Taylor Swift will be performing one show only at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium (Nov 9). Rounding off this big musical line-up is country-pop royalty Shania Twain, who’ll be playing for crowds in Auckland (Dec 18/19) and Dunedin (Dec 22).

Funny man Kevin Hart will also have crowds in fits of laughter when he brings his Irresponsible Tour to Spark Arena in Auckland (Dec 11). Unleash your inner foodie at the two-week food and drink extravaganza Wellington On A Plate (Aug 10 – 26). The publically open part of New Zealand’s annual showcase of the best designers, NZ Fashion Weekend, (Aug 31 – Sep 2), will hit the ANZ Viaduct Events Centre place in Auckland.

Image: John McDermott

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PIANO MAN

Light Entertainment The New Zealand Dance

Company is bringing Lumina – their acclaimed anthology performance that has enraptured audiences here and in Europe – back for another go-around, which lands here at the Isaac Theatre Royal on May 10. This visit marks the debut Christchurch performance of the work, which wowed in Germany and at the Holland Dance Festival. The lauded work combines three pieces by New Zealand choreographers, with stunning soundscapes and mesmerising light effects the common threads that link all three. Prepare for a dance experience that overwhelms the senses with stunning work from some of New Zealand’s greatest creative talent and dance performers. nzdc.org.nz EARLY WARNING

KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL A glittering evening awaits next month at the annual Harcourts Cancer Society Ball 2018 (Jun 23), MC’d by Hilary Barry.

Glammed-up guests at Horncastle Arena will enjoy gliding around the dance floor, a sumptuous three-course meal, and taking in the excitement of the auction, which will be offering 12 money-can’t-buy (except it can!) experiences for lucky winners.

Earlybird tickets went fast; get in quick to secure a table! cancersocietyball.co.nz VICIOUS CYCLE

HADLOW RIDES AGAIN Cantab theatre stalwart Mark Hadlow is back in the saddle again for MAMIL (Remounted) (Isaac Theatre Royal, May 31 – Jun 2), a reprise of the Greg Cooperpenned one-man play that won over both local and national audiences. The show sees the versatile actor play a host of characters in the life of protagonist Bryan Cook, a rather unscrupulous property developer who hits a serious midlife crisis and has to pedal his way out as the Middle Aged Man In Lycra of the title.

Full of frank, sometimes hilarious and often poignant insights into the male psyche and behaviour, the play – and Hadlow’s tour de force in it – has been hailed as must-see by many reviewers. isaactheatreroyal.co.nz

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HAPPY 40TH! Call it a legend in our own lunchtimes – Spagalimis turns 40 (!) on May 14th, and is still churning out the pizza perfection the city fell in love with in 1978. See our review on page 45 for proof the city’s oldest restaurant still knows their stuff! spagalimis.co.nz

Pianist Michael Houstoun will join the CSO at the Charles Luney Auditorium for the orchestra’s Sin City, Golden City (May 26). The Timaru-born musician has a seriously impressive number of feats up his sleeve; in this outing he’ll be performing Lyell Cresswell’s second piano concerto, which is inspired by the chorales of JS Bach. Mozart’s Symphony No. 38 ‘Prague’ and Peter Maxwell Davies’ sassy Mavis In Las Vegas are set to round out the programme. cso.co.nz

/ CULTURE

LOCAL TALENT

Image: Amazir Aknine

Free Weillin’

MAYA PAYNE

At only 21-years-old, former Christchurch muso Maya Payne is a self-made success story who’s taking her unique sound to the world. Through her own music label which she established, Rolley Records, she released her debut EP The Lucky Ones, which peaked at number 6 on the New Zealand album charts. The album’s lead single ‘If Only’ launched her career big time with its electro-pop undertones, and was even the talk of Tinseltown, with actress Chloë Grace Moretz giving it a shout out on Twitter. With crisp production and arena-ready finesse, it comes as no surprise that she has already supported the likes of Charli XCX, with her music on the radar of several high-profile producers based in LA and Berlin. As a result of a random chance encounter, Payne has even collaborated with one of Justin Bieber’s producers. A firm favourite on the likes of Spotify and Soundcloud, she has garnered a global fan-base, with talks of overseas tours on the cards – watch this face!

FB/mayapaynemusic GIGS TO CATCH

HOPETOUN BROWN AND THE GENIUS OF FINN SCHOLES Isaac Theatre Royal, Thu 3 May JAMIE MCDELL – EXTRAORDINARY GIRL TOUR Lyttelton Records, Fri 11 May BROKEN LEXICON – SOUTH ISLAND TOUR Orange Studios, Sat 12 May ARTHUR AHBEZ & THE FLAMING AHBEZ darkroom, Sat 12 May BOYZLIFE Isaac Theatre Royal, Sun 13 May MARLON WILLIAMS The Foundry, Mon 21 & Wed 23 May DARREN WATSON: TOO MANY MILLIONAIRES LP RELEASE NZ TOUR Blue Smoke, Fri 25 May THE IRON MAIDENS The Foundry, Sat 26 May SEETHER Isaac Theatre Royal, Mon 28 May JASON BONHAM’S LED ZEPPELIN EXPERIENCE Horncastle Arena, Thu 31 May

WHOLE LOTTA ZEPPELIN This month, rock fans down under will be shaken by the most passionately convincing Led Zeppelin experience ever when the Jason Bonham Led Zeppelin Experience hits Horncastle Arena on May 31. Bonham carries the bloodline of legendary Led Zep drummer John Henry ‘Bonzo’ Bonham, and the latter’s legacy lives on through his son’s phenomenal talent. With heartfelt accuracy, he and his band boldly capture the essence of the Led Zeppelin experience. Expect a raucous night filled with a carefully considered set list of at least 20 Zeppelin classics, plus a few surprises in the mix! jblzedownunder.com

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Kurt Weill’s 20th Century compositions have influenced musicians the world over with their upbeat and unique flair – many living on via re-workings from Robbie Williams and the like. Catch the CSO’s Weill – From Berlin to Broadway (May 12) at the Isaac Theatre Royal as they take a decadent and darkly humorous look at the classic back catalogue of the late composer, with Amelia Berry, Phoebe Hurst and Kristian Lavercombe tackling ‘Mack the Knife’, ‘Alabama Song’ and ‘Pirate Jenny’ (as well as a selection of songs inspired by Weill) under the direction of Luke Di Somma. A jam-packed night of satire, corruption and excess awaits! cso.co.nz

Image: Tony de Lautour, Badlands 2001, Acrylic on unstretched canvas.

Collection of the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Pick A Side Fusing cynicism and sincerity with muscularity and delicacy, Tony de Lautour’s distinct style of artwork is often described as contradictory, and sometimes controversial. Taking inspiration from everything from seedy, underground street culture

and post-punk music to genteel elements such as English porcelain, de Lautour has established a reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading painters and sculptors.

From the get-go, de Lautour has consistently produced thought-

provoking artwork, hosting his first solo show just three years after obtaining his degree in Fine Arts.

Positive reviews for his creations are aplenty, with his early works coming to attention for their unapologetic and unique representation of New Zealand’s cultural and colonial history – a recurring motif present even today. The past two decades have seen de Lautour’s works being exhibited in multiple locations around New Zealand as well as in Australia, and also being acquired in public and private collections. A wealth of success has followed the artist, with him being the recipient of several prominent accolades such as the Visa Gold Art Award and the prestigious Laureate Award in 2012.

His latest exhibition, Us V Them (May 5 – Sep 9), will showcase a careful selection of over three decades of his work at the Christchurch Art Gallery, with the opening coinciding with the gallery’s fifteenth birthday celebrations. christchurchartgallery.org.nz

Spaces & places

CoCA Purpose-built in 1978, CoCA’s modernist architecture offers one of NZ’s most beautiful art spaces, filled with contemporary art.

66 Gloucester Street 03 366 7261 coca.org.nz

Christchurch Art Gallery Autumn at the Gallery means amazing art, exciting events, inspired shopping and even exquisite food. Montreal Street 03 941 7300 christchurchartgallery. org.nz

Flying Solo Auckland-based artist Tiffany Singh’s most recent large-scale installations, OM MANI PADME HUM and The Journey Of A Million Miles Begins With One Step, will be on display for a solo exhibition at CoCA from May 26 – August 5. coca.org.nz OM MANI PADME HUM, 2017. Ribbon and handcrafted Indika fair trade bells. Installed at Dunedin Public Art Gallery.

Image: Tiffany Singh

WELL CURATED

Cityscape gets Form Gallery curator Ryan Dewsbury to give us the good oil on their upcoming jewellery exhibition, A Walk In The Park, on from May 2–22.

Jewellery exhibitions can be somewhat rare, so we at Form Gallery are excited to be combining some outstanding local talent including Winnie Chin, Barry Clarke, Sophie Divett, Jeremy Leeming, Koji Miyazaki, Ailish Roughan, Elfi Spiewack (and new artist myself!) into one event. Each jeweller has their own distinct style and will display unique offerings as part of the exhibition; the overall theme ties the individuals together with a real sense of Christchurch by taking visitors through A Walk in The Park. Hagley Park is not only a significant Christchurch landmark, but a way of life in the garden city, offering tranquillity, beauty, space and retreat – we are bringing these qualities into the gallery for the art community to experience. Gallery owner and exhibiting jeweller, Koji Miyazaki, has contributed a stand-out piece of jewellery that represents the beautiful process of paper-making and paper’s life-cycle, and the idea that beauty can be discarded or even reinvented – not unlike our evolving post-quake city. form.co.nz Image: Koji Miyazaki, Discard or Not Pendant

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Style Files

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KS Lighting KS Lighting team offers the finest in European designer lighting and experienced lighting consultants. Visit them for inspiration! 3/75 Blenheim Road 03 365 0012 kslighting.co.nz

EARTH ORGANIC HAIRDRESSING

Corso Merivale A boutique lifestyle store with a range of designer homewares, linen, furniture, luxury gifts and clothing from around the world. 143 Aikmans Road 03 355 4228 corsomerivale.nz

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Seletti Concept Store Discover brands such as Seletti Italian Homeware Design, Aesop Body Product, Golden Goose Sneaker Shoes, Cecilie Coopenhagen, and more. 9F Normans Road 0274 314 748

ENCOMPASS

Essential winter pieces from Ballantynes.

1 — COOP Buckle Up Jacket (RRP $329) and Frill Clinton Dress (RRP $249) 2 — Tommy Hilfiger Pilaux Pencil Skirt (RRP $219) 3 — Ketz-ke Roar Dress (RRP $145) 4 — World Kinship Blazer (RRP $899), Bovary Shirt (RRP $339) and Kinship Trouser (RRP $469) 5 — COOP In-Trenched Jacket (RRP $299) and All U Can Pleat Tee (RRP $199) 6 — Hi There Karen Walker Valentine Dress (RRP $220) 7 — Gestuz Mathilde Dress (RRP $499)

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At Earth Organic Hairdressing, the majority of their products are vegan and their colours are 100% plant-based. They are committed to environmental responsibility, using plant-based ingredients, biodegradable packaging, and having zero tolerance for animal testing.

181 High Street 03 365 7393 earthorganichairdressing.co.nz

The Tannery With over 50 unique shops, restaurants and bars, The Tannery has evolved into the city’s premier retail destination. 3 Garlands Road 0800 4 TANNERY thetannery.co.nz

EnCompass specialises in premium denim, and is renowned for the exceptional fitting expertise of owner Benji.

There’s a huge range of NZ and international brands; browse the extensive denim wall, exclusive tailored shirts, waistcoats and t-shirts. New styles arriving all the time! The Tannery, 3 Garlands Road 03 381 4065 Find them on Facebook

MEET THE LOCALS

MAKE WAY FOR MARLON

Cityscape caught up with alt country crossover legend Marlon Williams on new directions, life on the road, being inspired by Bruce Springsteen and those wild dance moves ahead of his gigs at The Foundry this month.

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/ MEET THE LOCALS

WHAT WAS THE CATALYST FOR THIS NEW DIRECTION? I guess two years of solid touring. In the last three years I feel like I’ve lived about a thousand lives in that time. I’ve been constantly moving and faced with a host of new experiences and, more directly, going through a breakup, and that’s feeding directly into the creative experience.

SO DOES THAT THOUSAND LIVES TAP INTO YOUR ‘VAMPIRE AGAIN’ TRACK FROM LAST YEAR? Yeah, there’s something about the manic shifting of his psyche in that song that’s exactly what I mean when I say that. The sense of an identity that’s constantly being influenced by a whole bunch of new experiences.

IT SOUNDS LIKE YOU PUT A LOT OF YOURSELF INTO YOUR WORK. WHAT’S THE HARDEST THING ABOUT THE SONG-WRITING PROCESS, AND ARE YOU EVER AFRAID OF OVERSHARING? The hardest thing for me is trying to find a consistent way of doing it. I’m not a disciplined writer, I don’t have any sort of routine – that’s the real thing that gets to me. The oversharing thing, I tend to just run with whatever stupid thing comes out of my mouth and back it up and not really be too worried about it.

HOW IMPORTANT WAS IT THAT EX-PARTNER ALDOUS HARDING PERFORM ON ‘NOBODY GETS WHAT THEY WANT ANYMORE’ WITH YOU? It was important for me personally; there was something that was expressed in that song that I couldn’t express through the normal means of communication. There’s a feeling I can’t put into words that that song deals with, and the fact that she agreed to perform it with me, sing my words from her perspective, was a validation of my own feelings.

SO SHE AGREED WITH THEM? Or she accepted my reading of the situation, at least.

THE VIDEO FOR YOUR SECOND SINGLE ‘WHAT’S CHASING YOU’ IS BRILLIANT – WHERE DID THOSE DANCE MOVES COME FROM? I don’t know, it’s just a few years of getting maybe a little too comfortable in

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myself. They seem to be my sort of default, go-to dance moves and I, for some reason, feel the need to incorporate them into a lot of my work. I don’t really know beyond that why I do that!

YOU’RE KNOWN FOR YOUR INIMITABLE STAGE PRESENCE AND GIVING IT YOUR ALL; HOW DO YOU APPROACH YOUR PERFORMANCES? Just through sheer practice and repetition – it all feels very natural and automatic in a way. I feel comfortable trusting my intuition with it.

HOW DID GROWING UP IN LYTTELTON SHAPE YOUR MUSIC? It did in that I didn’t grow up anywhere else. I seemed to be lucky in terms of the timing – I came onto the burgeoning country or sort of roots theme just as I was discovering that music independently for myself, and there were a lot of really great role models in terms of what it means to put on a show and be a musician – I sort of lucked out there.

AND YOU’RE STILL WORKING WITH BEN EDWARDS AT LYTTELTON RECORDS – WHAT DOES BEN BRING TO THE TABLE? He’s just got a way about him in the studio that you don’t ever feel judged or like anything is too much to ask, you know? He’s just like an incredible accommodator and allows a lot of space.

YOU SELL OUT SHOWS ALL OVER THE WORLD. HOW DOES THAT FEEL? It’s great, of course, it’s validating in every sense. I like playing to full rooms and I just love being able to tour – so anything that allows me to do that is great.

TELL US ABOUT OPENING FOR SPRINGSTEEN LAST YEAR – HOW WAS THAT AND DID YOU PICK UP ANY TIPS FROM HIM OR HANG OUT BACKSTAGE? I didn’t get to meet him at all, but I just learned from watching a 65-year-old man play a kick arse three-hour rock ‘n’ roll show. It was an incredible feat of athleticism.

LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR ACTING. YOU WERE IN THE REHEARSAL – ANY OTHER MOVIES PLANNED? Yeah, there’ll be a movie coming out in October, which I’ll be involved in and can’t talk too much about. It’s a whole other world and quite a surreal experience – it’s going to be pretty strange when it comes out. It’s Hollywood stuff!

Marlon Williams: Make Way For Love Tour, May 21 & 23, The Foundry, marlonwilliams.co.nz

CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ May 18

I didn’t get to meet him at all, but I just learned from watching a 65-year-old man play a kick arse three-hour rock ‘n’ roll show.

YOUR NEW ALBUM MAKE WAY FOR LOVE HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS NEW TERRAIN FOR YOU – HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT? Yeah, new terrain for me for sure – on a musical level, on a personal level, it’s definitely a departure from the first album in every sense.

CosĂŹ Fan Tutu

Image: Ross Brown

Cityscape cuts a rug with the Royal New Zealand Ballet ahead of their boundary- pushing production Dancing With Mozart in June, which melds classic, contemporary, and climate change – all set to a thrilling Mozart-penned score – in an en-pointe tetralogy of one world and three New Zealand premieres.

Image: Ross Brown

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n a continuation of their tireless commitment to producing ground-breaking work, Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Dancing With Mozart offers four works from outstanding choreographers set to the music of the beloved composer, in a case of epic music inspiring provocative dance. With a programme that offers three New Zealand premieres and one world premiere, and the dance performance accompanied live by the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, it’s a production that needs to be on the radar of any ballet and dance fan.

The exquisite showcase includes 20th Century dance legend and master choreographer George Balanchine’s 1956 work Divertimento No. 15. Balanchine considered Mozart’s work in B flat to be the finest divertimento ever written, and created a work that speaks to that inspiration and admiration in a celebration of his outstanding musicality. Permission to stage this historically-significant piece is granted to very few elite ballet companies worldwide, so it’s testament to the quality of the RNZB’s output that they will stage the work in New Zealand for the first time, assisted by celebrated Balanchine repetiteur Francia Russell, who has more than 60 years’ experience in performing and staging his works.

Renowned Czech choreographer Jiří Kylián, who is doing double-barrel duties in the programme, cites Balanchine as one of his own greatest influences.

Works by this prolific modern master are in great demand all over the world, and Petite Mort and Sechs Tänze will both be seen for the first time in New Zealand as part of Dancing With Mozart. Created in 1991 to mark the second centenary of Mozart’s death and including

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both the composer’s Piano Concerto in A Major – Adagio and Piano Concerto in C Major – Andante, Petite Mort is one of Kylián’s most celebrated works, and includes mesmerising choreography based around fencing foils. The light-hearted Sechs Tänze (Six Dances) meanwhile is a witty and whimsical work that Kylián himself has referred to as “choreographic doodling”. Set to some of Mozart’s German dances, it shows off the Czech choreographer’s sense of humour and invention to full effect.

The chain of inspiration continues, with New Zealandborn, UK-based choreographer Corey Baker (see our Q&A with him on page 46) having been inspired by Jiří Kylián more than by any other artist, and having performed Petite Mort himself while dancing in Europe.

In a first for the ballet world, Baker travelled to Antarctica in February with RNZB dancer Madeleine Graham, where together they created a dance film to highlight climate change. This piece – the only ballet ever created on the frozen continent – has become the basis for Baker’s new work The Last Dance, which feature’s Mozart’s unfinished Requiem, and receives its world premiere in Dancing With Mozart.

With both all-time ballet classics and a world premiere work on the programme, all linked through the genius of Mozart’s music – itself played to perfection by the CSO – and plenty of talent up on stage as well, this promises to be a very special performance.

Dancing With Mozart, Isaac Theatre Royal, Fri 8/Sat 9 June, rnzb.org.nz

CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ May 18

/ COSÌ FAN TUTU

Stepping Up

JIŘÍ KYLIÁN

GEORGE BALANCHINE

Born in Christchurch, Corey Baker snuck out of high school at age 14 to join the ballet world, schooling at the city’s International Ballet Academy before heading overseas to train further in Australia and Switzerland, and then landing a job at the UK’s BalletBoyz company in 2008. He’s since gone on to retire from performance and become an award-winning choreographer and filmmaker, starting Corey Baker Dance in the UK in 2008 to create and produce his own work, and is celebrated for his innovation and commitment to driving dance into the 21st Century. With a firm belief that dance is for everyone, his pieces take the form out of traditional settings to put it into parks, playgrounds, stadiums, shopping centres, rugby fields, on TV and film, and even into Antarctica, where with RNZB dancer Madeleine Graham he created the continent’s first ballet work.

Image: Ross Brown

Born in Russia in 1904, George Balanchine trained at the Imperial State Ballet and from the age of 11 danced on the stage of the Mariinsky Theatre, entering the company proper in 1921. After working as a choreographer and ballet master around Europe, he emigrated to the United States in his 30s and established both the School of American Ballet, and the New York City Ballet in 1948. Creating 465 works in his lifetime, he is one of the 20th Century’s best-known choreographers and a leading figure in the modern history of dance, and his style – a fresh and uniquely musical interpretation of classical ballet – is one of the most distinctive and influential languages in ballet, leading to him often being referred to as “the father of American ballet”.

COREY BAKER

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Image: Anton Corbijn

Image: Balanchine Trust

Cityscape meets the masters of dance behind Dancing With Mozart.

Born in Prague in 1947, Jiří Kylián started his dance training when he was 9 years old at the School of the National Ballet Prague. In 1967 he went to the Royal Ballet School in London with a scholarship from the British Council, where he came into contact with some of the most important developments in choreography. In 1973, he began a long-running artistic relationship with his first choreography for Nederlands Dans Theater, which has brought about the creation of almost 50 dance productions for this group. His major international breakthrough came in 1978 with Sinfonietta, a piece set to the music of compatriot Leoš Janáček. In the following years he established his reputation as an ingenious choreographer with works such as Symphony of Psalms, Forgotten Land, Overgrown Path, Svadebka, Stamping Ground, and L'Enfant et les Sortileges, before moving his artistic view and style towards abstraction and surrealistic images from the mid-80s, with examples including this programme’s Petite Mort.

PAY IT FORWARD

HOOP, THERE IT IS

We get in the loop with hula-hoop health guru and In2Hula founder Bernadette Smith, who’s turning her bid for Christchurch to reclaim the New Zealand record for the most people simultaneously hula hooping in one place (yes, it's a thing!) into a fundraiser for the Heart Foundation in October.

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The hula hooping experience promotes so many benefits, from laughter, to great emotional wellbeing, lower stress levels, better blood circulation, improved flexibility, the breaking up of fat deposits

TELL US ABOUT THE SUPER HEART HOOP-OFF. The Super Heart Hoop-Off is being organised by In2Hula as a charity event to raise funds for the Heart Foundation, and to help support and increase awareness of heart health. It will also be a combined celebration of the Heart Foundation’s 50th and In2Hula’s 10th anniversaries. The main event of the afternoon will be an attempt to break the current New Zealand record for the most people hula-hooping together in one place for two minutes consistently. The original record of 60 people achieving this was set in Christchurch in 2008. The current record of 150 people is held by Invercargill.

HOW HARD IS IT TO HULA-HOOP FOR TWO MINUTES? The movement is not hard; it’s technique and competency. Once you learn and are confident, you can hoop for a lot longer than two minutes. Just recently we collected in the annual appeal for the Heart Foundation and I hula-hooped for 90 minutes non-stop – but I have been doing this a while!

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA? In the very early stages of our business In2Hula, in 2008, we decided to have an event to break a record. At this event we created the very first New Zealand record.

In 2009 our record was beaten by Invercargill. Over the last 10 years we have supported other charities and have attempted to get the record back. This year on October 28, we are determined to be successful, and have the support of many hula-hoopers in Christchurch who will help us be victorious!

HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE HEART FOUNDATION? In2Hula had designed and written a programme called ‘Hoop with Heart’ to support early learning centres in obtaining a Heart Foundation Healthy Heart Award. We approached the Heart Foundation because we could see what a fantastic success the programme was for the children, and the collaboration was formed. It’s the only one of its kind that not only improves fitness in children, but also fulfils a number of the learning outcomes in the NZ Early Childhood Education (ECE) curriculum.

WHAT’S THE ULTIMATE OUTCOME FROM THE DAY? To support and raise funds for the Heart Foundation, bring the In2Hula Hula Hoop New Zealand record back to Christchurch and have hoops – I mean heaps – of fun doing it. It’s a win-win for everyone!

DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FOR THE INVERCARGILL RECORD HOLDERS? Great things come to pass, and you can’t keep forever what is rightfully ours!

WHAT WILL THE MONEY RAISED BE USED FOR? Research into heart disease; it’s one of our biggest killers and we have to do something about that.

THE EVENT ALSO COINCIDES WITH IN2HULA’S 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY. WHAT IS IT ABOUT HOOPING THAT’S SO ADDICTIVE? The hula-hooping experience promotes so many benefits, from laughter, to great emotional wellbeing, lower stress levels, better blood circulation, improved flexibility, the breaking up of fat deposits – and those are just a few. It’s fun too. We tend to stick more with things when they are fun.

WHEN YOU STARTED THE BUSINESS, WHAT WAS THE GAME PLAN? To create a way to successfully and effectively combine both fitness and fun. We really wanted something that appealed to people of all ages who we could support, nurture and guide to better fitness. We have built a business that we enjoy as much as those who hoop with us. In2Hula is fun and accessible for everyone, including us.

HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH THE ROUTINES? As instructors we follow an eight-week fitness routine that covers the basic hoop techniques, and a number of movements that work on toning the whole of the body.

We enjoy creating our own music playlists (music can be such a motivator!) to create the class atmosphere.

We are also aware of our client’s goals and what they would like to achieve, so no matter what the fitness level, anyone can start exactly where they are comfortable and build up fitness supported by our nurturing guidance.

WHAT’S THE BEST MUSIC TO HOOP TO? Music is an individual choice. In our classes we create a playlist that is focused on the class routines. We enjoy music that has around 128 BPM (beats per minute) for a good workout.

WHO WOULD YOU MOST LIKE TO TEACH SOME HOOPING MOVES TO? I would love to teach Jay-Jay Harvey. I love her enthusiasm for life and I think my passion and her love of life will be electric!

To find out more, take part or donate contact the team at In2Hula: hulahoops.co.nz

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Midas Touch

Cityscape catches up with one of Harcourts Gold’s leading real estate gurus, Mary Turnbull, on chasing your goals, the secret of her success, living in Christchurch, and trying to find that elusive work-life balance.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO REAL ESTATE? It’s always been a passion of mine; in the past I’ve been in travel working for the New Zealand Tourist Publicity Office based in Sydney, then I was in the wine industry for many years – I managed a vineyard in the Hunter Valley in Australia, then worked for Villa Maria Wines in Christchurch for several years. I’ve always been involved in selling pleasurable things: holidays, wine and now houses. I used to have a scrapbook and go around all the open homes – prior to getting into real estate – in my area, Strowan, and then ring the agent up afterwards to find out how much they sold for. I think it was in my blood! When I went into real estate I had three very young children, so it was a very big call for me to go into a job that was 7-days-a-week. But that’s what I did and I haven’t looked back!

just planted that seed in me that, despite the fact that I had family and other commitments, I could be very successful.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Just to be straight up with people, treat them as you would like to be treated, and embrace every opportunity, because there’s so many opportunities out there. If you want it enough, everyone has the ability to achieve their goals.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL HAUNT. I love the more quirky places, I’m not into fine dining and that sort of thing. I like low-key places like Park Ranger where they have great ambience and wonderful food.

I’m very much into healthy eating, I go to Mint Gym several times a week and they have a cool little café with healthy food there. I also love going to King of Snake, I love the ambience in there and the food is great – I just don’t like those really formal places. I’m more about great, healthy, clean and pure food.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS? Hard work, hard work and more hard work! I set myself very high standards in everything that I do, both professionally and personally. I am a perfectionist!

WHO HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? Lynette McFadden, who owns Harcourts Gold, has definitely been my biggest inspiration. She just made me believe what I could achieve; I probably underestimated my qualities to relate to people and she

WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN CHRISTCHURCH? It’s just so easy to get from A to B! Christchurch is very exciting – there’s so much happening – with new bars and restaurants opening up.

All my son’s friends are moving back here – it’s got a real buzz about it now that we’ve got the city back.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO SPEND A SUNDAY (IF NOT WORKING)?

Everyone will laugh at this because every Sunday afternoon, I am working! If I wasn’t, I’d want to go somewhere peaceful and by the water – like Sumner. To be by the water is my thing: a nice walk, have a coffee and sit by the ocean.

What I’m …

WEARING

I had a significant birthday recently, so I bought myself this beautiful Trelise Cooper ‘You Need Me’ jacket.

LISTENING TO

I go to all the concerts around New Zealand – I love my music. I’m a big James Blunt, Ed Sheeran, Adele and Cat Stevens fan. The Eagles are also a favourite.

DRINKING

Riesling – the most underrated wine in history. Mt Difficulty and The Doctors’ Riesling are my two favourites.

WATCHING

I’m more an avid sports watcher on TV. When I’ve had any spare time, I’ve been pinned to the Commonwealth Games – the squash in particular!

READING

Image: squashmad.com

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I am currently reading The Little Breton Bistro by Nina George.

Life in

Hañsa

Cityscape talks to legendary Kiwi yogi Vincent Bolletta – widely considered New Zealand’s foremost yoga instructor and teacher trainer, and founder of hañsa yoga – about his background, approach, and his life in yoga ahead of his special Yoga Therapy classes at Flow Hot Yoga in July.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO YOGA? I was working at a health and fitness centre in the late 80s, and a new manager started there and he was doing yoga. I was watching him practice and I got fascinated by the practice itself – more the artistry of the practice than anything else. And so that kind of stirred a particular interest, and I wanted to kind of do what he was doing, and so that was my first introduction to yoga.

Through that I ended up discussing things with him around what it was he was doing – because I’d never seen anything like that before. And he showed me a

small practice, and I slowly started to make inroads into this particular practice, and it sort of developed from there to where I am today, 30 years later!

HOW DID YOU FIND THOSE EARLY CLASSES? On a superficial level, I felt physically that my body was much easier than I had experienced before. Prior to the yoga I used to be a competitive athlete in many modalities. So doing the practice my body had a sense of ease and relaxation that I’d never experienced before; mentally I think there was a general sense of calm and

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Image: Marc Mateo

expansiveness to that calm. So these were really simple sensations and experiences that kept me coming back to the practice, and motivated me to continue.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH HAÑSA YOGA? Well, it’s really an amalgamation of many years of working with the practice.

Titling it with the word hañsa – in Sanskrit it means “the swan”. The representation of the swan is one where it’s an inner teacher, and a very deeply refined approach into one’s experiences and an interpretation of those experiences, and I think from a practical point of view also a refinement of how we apply ourselves in life. So it’s all come together under this one kind of title, and from a basic perspective it’s one that also enables conversation like the question you’ve just asked me – you know, “What does it mean?” – and so it enables you to then put a pin on the map and we can start to explore what it actually means in one’s own personal life, you know, this thing called yoga. And so on that level it’s developed some sort of interest, and then on a basic business level, it also established some differentiation between what’s out there and what I do.

SO WHAT ARE THE POINTS OF DIFFERENCE WITH HAÑSA AS OPPOSED TO OTHER CONTEMPORARY STYLES? Yeah, so there are quite a few contemporary styles now. The point of difference – and I don’t think it’s a new point of difference – yoga for me has always been a therapeutic practice. And depending on the environment you’re in, it can be heightened or diminished, and depending on whether it’s a one-on-one situation or a group session, that therapeutic component can be more specific or quite generalised. And so it’s about also the practice being adapted to the individual’s needs… it’s also talking about functionality, from the perspective of anatomical reasoning. Also at the same time it talks about that there is a need to adapt to the situation, so the practice is there in service of the person, rather than the other way round. And for me it’s about personalising also what the practice is.

There’s a lot of other styles out there, all with very much generic formulas associated to the particular styles, and it’s not a negative from my perspective – but what I do see is that there’s also a potential limitation for the practitioner. So for me the practice has always been about the individual. It’s also about heightening the humanistic side of the practice, and also talking about that as individuals, we’re multi-layered and multi-dimensional, and so the practice has to cater to all those particular levels – we are physical, but we’re more than just physical – as we go along.

And so there’s the energetic, there’s the psychology, there’s the emotionality, also the cultural component and the social aspect of it – so these need to all be

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considered, because these are all pieces of the puzzle that make up yoga, and each piece needs the other pieces to give it a greater fullness, and a greater fullness of the experience one can have.

SO THERE’S A LOT OF ADAPTABILITY, DEPENDING ON WHAT PEOPLE BRING INTO IT. Yes. And these principles, of what is reasonable, and what is realistic, can be taken into a yoga class – so it doesn’t have to be specifically on a one-on-one basis when we understand the anatomy of the body and the biomechanics of movement, and the appreciation of what is acceptable in terms of stability and mobility – then it can inform us how to teach and what’s relevant and what’s not.

WHERE’S YOGA TAKEN YOU? Mostly Asia, and the States as well. I’ve travelled over the years to quite a variety of different places. In the last number of years it’s expanded mostly around Asia, but now places like Mexico are opening up, so I’m going there. It takes me around the world.

YOU MUST HAVE HAD SOME MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES IN YOUR YOGA TRAVELS. There are many rewarding experiences.

People are people all over the world, and they generally come with one basic requirement, and that is to be happy! One thing that is quite interesting is when you are teaching with a translator, and that to me brings much more colour to the process.

Sometimes I have been caught out by saying one thing, and thinking that what I’ve said has been translated in the same manner, and then suddenly rather than people standing on their two feet, they’re

/ LIFE IN HAÑSA

lying face down on their tummy! But also meeting different people and cultures, these are all memorable – it never ceases to amaze me how we really all are such a global community.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING COURSES AT FLOW HOT YOGA. So this is my first New Zealand yoga therapy course that I’m running, and basically it’s an introduction to starting to increase our power to observe, diagnose and come in with different interpretations of what the practice is, and also how we can support people. So there’s a number of things I’ll be looking at and teaching over the course.

First is basically the assessment procedures, there’s a variety of assessments that I teach – clinical, movement, also manual – and interpretations of what those assessments are. Then we look at how we can use massage – I say massage, but in actual fact, what I’m really referring to are functional points that are similar to acupuncture or marma points in ayurvedic medicine – that improve functionality and also establishes better feedback systems for the practitioner who’s being administered to, so there’s a greater way of referencing one’s own personal body and choices that we make through that body. And so we learn these things, and then at the same time we look at how to sequence practices, how to establish proper rehabilitation protocols, and so we learn about injuries that are common in yoga, environment, and also what people bring to the yoga classes. And as you mentioned, adaptation – how to modify a practice, how to modify postures, we look at the biomechanics of these things, and we start to just overall learn a little bit more with greater depth of the practice itself, and the usefulness of that practice in ways that again are relevant to

the people that come to the class, or if it’s a clinical situation, the specific issues that people bring and how to work with people of a variety of different levels.

behind us, or have enough years of the practice under our belt to understand some of the concepts that just require time, really, to inform us.

WHO ARE THE CLASSES FOR? Well, at the end of the day, what you’re trying to establish is a greater degree of understanding of one’s own personal body, and in doing that, once you have that information – and the information is not overly scientific, even though there are references to scientific data – to validate some of the approaches. But really it’s about empowering people so that they can make choices that are more appropriate to their bodies and choose practices that are again appropriate to where they are in their life. So it gives the practitioner a greater sense of empowerment and responsibility as well, which is for teachers and students alike.

DO YOU RUN INTO ANY COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT YOGA? There’s a couple of superficial stereotypes about yoga, and I think most industries will get that. “I won’t go to yoga until I’m a bit more flexible” is one – it’s like “I won’t go to the gym until I’m a little bit fitter”. So people have stereotypes around flexibility, and this is being portrayed now more so around the social media aspect. But yoga really is not that – it’s really about functionality and maintaining a level of functionality that your body can sustain for a long period of time, and maintaining a quality of life that you’re able to hold onto until very late in life. Yoga is a process that supports us – it doesn’t really matter what sort of culture you’re in, what religion you believe in, or what job you do – it’s there as an aid to maintain what we as people want to do, the best that we can do, and to enable us to fulfil the responsibilities that we have as bosses, employees, fathers, mothers… and create a realistic paradigm in terms of the fact that yoga is not exercise, but at the same time maintains our health and a certain degree of care with our bodies.

IF YOU WEREN’T A YOGA INSTRUCTOR AND TEACHER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE? When I was in my last couple of years of school, my ambition was to be an artist.

And so that’s why I was attracted to the practice, because it had certain aesthetic qualities that I really enjoyed. So sometimes when I practice, I see my body as the tool, or as the paintbrush if you like, and the space around me as the canvas. So there are still those elements that I really enjoy, and that inform the way I practice and teach. I think ultimately for me yoga has a creative component to it, there’s a potentiality of creativity of life there, so I use that as a theme for the way I teach but also the way I interpret yoga.

Hañsa Yoga Therapy Teacher Training with Vincent Bolletta, Flow Hot Yoga, 27 July, flowhotyoga.co.nz

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF? Definitely patience. In the early days we want things now, and sometimes we’re not ready yet – we don’t have the necessary maturity or experiences

It’s also about heightening the humanistic side of the practice, and also talking about that as individuals, we’re multi-layered and multi-dimensional, and so the practice has to cater to all those particular levels 29

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Maiden Voyage

Cityscape has a chat to Courtney Cox (AKA ‘Adriana Smith’, pictured far right) – guitarist in The Iron Maidens, an all-female Iron Maiden tribute band – on the rock star lifestyle, her namesake guitar, and life on the road ahead of their gig here this month.

WHY IRON MAIDEN? Why not? Haha… I dunno, I mean you can cover anyone – I didn’t start the band, I joined about 9 years into it – but it’s a good challenge. If you’re gonna pay tribute to anyone, a band that keeps things challenging for you and pushes the gauntlet – I dunno, it definitely keeps me occupied!

HOW DID YOU GET INTO HEAVY METAL? Growing up my brother was an avid metal fan, and I would get in trouble from stealing his albums – so I guess that family feud spelled my whole metal-ness!

HAVE YOU MET ANY OF THE ORIGINAL IRON MAIDEN CREW? I’ve met Adrian [Smith], Nicko [McBrain], [Janick] Gers, and then recently I just met Steve [Harris] – he’s a cool guy – and then our last Europe tour we were actually in London for a day and we actually got to play with Paul Di’Anno.

THE IRON MAIDENS HAVE BEEN AROUND SINCE 2001; WHAT’S THE SECRET TO YOUR LONGEVITY? Scary, right? That’s tricky to answer, because we don’t even know… I think we really lucked out with a love for that music, and with the band itself – I mean in some countries Maiden is pretty much a religion. The support from the fans has just been amazing. Every day I kick myself like “…Where are we going in the world?” – we’re very, very fortunate. I guess doing it, you know, you just keep at it – things happen and if not, you’re doing it because you’re loving it anyway, so it doesn’t really matter if you fail or not.

SWEET. WE IMAGINE THEY’D BE BIG FANS? Well they didn’t tell us to stop, so… haha. No, they approve, so that’s good.

AS A GUITARIST, DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE IRON MAIDEN TRACK OR SOLO TO PLAY? I get asked this a lot! I can’t really choose, but one I always go to is ‘Sea Of Madness’. Adrian’s solo in that just completely changed my playing when I was a small wee little thing.

All of his solos are great, as well as Dave’s (Murray). As a musician you wanna have that sound where even if you’re not even viewing the person playing you know it’s them, and those two definitely have it – definitely good players to look up to.

WHERE’S THE COOLEST PLACE YOU’VE PERFORMED? Probably so far for me Japan, but soon it will be New Zealand and Australia!

GOOD ANSWER! JAPAN HAS A HUGE METAL COMMUNITY, DOESN’T IT? Oh yeah. It was definitely a culture shock, but just the support for the love of metal there just blew my mind. Such a great place to play.

DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL FAN. It’s a very diverse mix – you know, you get males, females, every walk of life, and it just comes down to that common denominator

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WIN! We have a double pass to The Iron Maidens to giveaway. To enter, email info@somocreative.co.nz with “Iron Maidens” in the subject line and tell us why you need to rock this gig. Entries close May 21.

– they love the music. So every show, whether it be 10 people or 10,000, there’s that same passion – which helps us on stage, because we’re performers, so if we don’t have that energy, it’s very hard to keep the train going for two hours. It’s all the fans!

ARE WE CORRECT IN THINKING YOU RECENTLY HAD A GUITAR NAMED AFTER YOU? HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT? Yes! Haha. I’ve been playing for a company, Caparison, for I think three years now. I just fell in love with the guitars. I was endorsed by other companies for over 12 years, and then I had one of these Caparisons put in my hand and it completely changed the ball game for me. And then they were like “You know what, I think it’s time – we’re gonna do your signature model”. I was completely floored. It was released a couple of days ago and the first round of guitars are almost sold out – I was like “Whoa, really?”

It’s definitely an honour.

AWESOME. DID YOU GET INPUT INTO WHAT THEY WERE DOING WITH IT? Oh yeah. And that’s the thing with guitars, especially these days, everyone having a guitar – there’s a complete difference between custom and signature. Custom, you know, you can have your specific colour; with signature though, you are like hand-to-hand with the luthier, changing this, changing that so it fits you. And with this new model, I have a custom neck, the body cut’s different – everything’s me.

WHAT’S THE ROCK ‘N’ ROLL LIFESTYLE LIKE? I mean, it’s not for everyone, I’ll put it that way. Even just being a musician, I think the trick of it is what strength

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you have, because it does affect you mentally – and physically, with no sleep, and the drinking and all that catches up with you! I think the rock star thing is more of a mental thing, because people come at you left and right – everyone has an opinion, whether it be good or bad, and I think you really have to have thick skin to deal with it all.

WE IMAGINE YOU SEE A LOT OF HOTEL ROOMS. Yeah, even on tour, everyone’s like “Oh, what do you get to see, are you gonna go see this?” and I’m like “No, basically I can tell you what the inside of every van looks like and every hotel and the inside of every airport”.

That’s all you see, haha.

WHAT DO YOU GET UP TO AWAY FROM THE BAND? Right now I’m working on my solo stuff and a couple of other projects. So right now my life is completely music.

SO YOU GET AWAY FROM THE BAND AND PLAY IN SOME OTHER BANDS? Yeah, pretty much! Haha. I signed up for this!

The Iron Maidens, The Foundry, May 26, theironmaidens.com

Cityscape talks to Heath Franklin, the Aussie comedian behind the smash-hit comedic version of notorious real-life criminal Mark ‘Chopper’ Read, who’s bringing new show Bogan Jesus to town.

The

Mo-ssiah YOU’RE IN NEW ZEALAND A LOT – WHY DO YOU THINK THE ICONIC AUSTRALIAN CHARACTER OF CHOPPER RESONATES SO STRONGLY OVER HERE TOO? Mostly ‘cos Kiwis have really good taste... I don’t know though to be honest. I have to say that 7 Days giving me a bit of a run hasn’t gone astray, and it’s really easy to have fun and do well on that show. I suppose it’s one of those things where you don’t want to question it too much in case it disintegrates. I just enjoy it.

SO WHEN ARE YOU MOVING OVER HERE? I don’t know! I was kind of half-thinking about it today… I was like “Huh, I could live here”. But you know, obviously I’ve got a wife and kid, so it’s not just all about me.

IS ANYONE GRUMPY AT YOU JUST FOR THE MERE PROSPECT OF CHOPPER TAKING ON RELIGION? Yeah – I have had people complain, and my first response is “Oh, what was the last Chopper show you saw?” and they’re all like “I’ve never seen a Chopper show”, and I say “Oh, you’re not even a paying customer, then, and wanna have a whinge about it”, so at the moment, all the people who are grumpy about it never enter my world anyway, and everyone else I’ve told about it seems pretty enthusiastic.

WHERE ARE EXISTING RELIGIONS GOING WRONG, IN CHOPPER’S OPINION? Well I don’t want to give too much of the game away – but I suppose the main thing is any kind of political system seems fine until you add people into the mix… democracy seems like a great idea, but it

doesn’t seem like it’s really been working too well lately, and the same with religion.

They’re all very well meaning and there’s some great ideas in there, but it just seems when it gets bogged down with all the people and all the garbage that it seems to go astray.

DO YOU HAVE ANY THEORIES ON HOW BOGAN-Y THE ACTUAL JESUS WAS? Oh yeah, if he was alive today he would be a bogan. He might have been one of those sorts of bogans that sits on the fence between a hipster and a bogan. So he would have appreciated a good breakfast, but he’d still do a full day’s work.

DID YOU HAVE A MOMENT WHEN YOU REALISED THE CHOPPER COMEDY GIG MIGHT HAVE SOME SERIOUS LEGS? Not really. I started doing it when I was just at uni, and it had always got a good response, but I was never like “Well I’m gonna quit my job and this is gonna be the next 16 years of my life”. I think the first year I did it I was kind of really lucky – it just exploded, and I found myself in Edinburgh about 6 months after writing my first live show just going “What am I doing here?

What happened?” But once again, you don’t question it too much; you just want to grab it by the scruff of the neck and ride it for as long as you can.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE YOU TO GET THE TATTOOS SORTED OUT THESE DAYS? Yeah – I’m pretty much ambidextrous when it comes to Sharpie tattoos now, which is good. I put all the complicated stuff on my right arm and I’m right-handed, so that was

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a dumb idea. But I’ve overcome that particular challenge now.

AND DO YOU HAVE A MASSIVE COLLECTION OF AVIATORS AS WELL? I don’t have a collection, but if I did have an aviators’ graveyard it would be pretty substantial. I’ve lost a few over the years. There’s been a couple of times where there’s been an emergency and we’ve got to drive around all the service stations in the area looking for a pair of aviators before a gig because I’ve left them somewhere or something.

Dunno why people pay 200 bucks for them.

DO YOU EVER RUN INTO PEOPLE THAT KNEW THE ACTUAL CHOPPER WELL? It’s got to the point now, in Australia anyway, that I can’t go anywhere – if anyone ever had anything to do with Chopper, I always hear about it. I’ve got a lot of secondhand stories about him, but nothing too substantial – a lot of “I used to go to the pub Chopper went to”.

I was actually at Pentridge Prison once where he spent a lot of time and there was a guy walking around – this was after it was closed down – and he was sort of looking at stuff and looked like he knew about the place, so I went up and had a chat to him and he was an inmate at Pentridge about the same time Chopper was, and he had a few stories – some real eye-openers.

/ THE MO-SSIAH

I IMAGINE SOME OF THOSE STORIES DON’T MAKE FOR GREAT COMEDY. No! Everyone always says have you read Chopper’s book and I haven’t, just because especially early on, the more I found out, the more I was like “Oh, this isn’t funny… this dude is like really messed up”. So I’ve tried to sort of take a lot of that sinister guy – you know, deforming humans and so on – out of it, because you know, not a lot of jokes to be had there. There’s only so many times you can chop someone’s toe off before it stops being funny.

ANYTHING YOU LIKE TO GET UP TO IN CHRISTCHURCH OFF STAGE WHEN YOU’RE HERE? The problem is that when you’re on tour you zip by a lot of places you’d like to stop at. I’ve been promising myself that I’d take the family on holiday to New Zealand so I’ll actually have the chance to stop at all the places that I’ve had to drive past. I keep hearing that Akaroa is something I’ve got to go and do, so that’s on the list. But it may not happen this time again, it may have to be a trip all on its own.

I love that whole sort of Wanaka region as well. But it’s all good. If you’re doing a driving tour of Australia, you spend nine hours driving past what appears to be the same rock, and you kind of get there and oh “Oh gosh, where are we now?”

Whereas in New Zealand it changes enough, and it’s diverse enough, that even if you’ve been there before it’s still nice to take in.

PERHAPS YOU SHOULD GET THE FAMILY HERE, AND THAT COULD BE YOUR SCHEME TO LURE THEM TO NEW ZEALAND. Yeah, I’ll just do one gig in Northland, and one in Invercargill, and write off everything in between as a work trip… just a really poorly organised tour where I accidentally spend too much time sightseeing.

Heath Franklin’s Chopper – Bogan Jesus, Aurora Centre, May 31 & June 1, premier.ticketek.co.nz 33

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01

B New Zealand’s biggest and brassiest annual jazz and blues festival returns this month for a five-day showcase of the best jazz and blues talent. Start warming up those jazz hands, Cityscapers – here’s all you need to know!

ack for its 23rd year, the Cavell Leitch New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival has a long history of bringing killer local and international talent to the city in a fever-inducing amalgam of two of the world’s most enduring musical genres. This year the Fest lovingly crams more than 30 shows into an action-packed week, with Festival Director Jodi Wright saying music lovers can anticipate tappin’ their toes to some of the best artists from New Zealand and around the world, who are performing in 10 venues around the city (including on the tram!) “We have something for everyone, from the outstanding vocal depths of American legend Kurt Elling and his Quintet, to the smooth sounds of Miami-based singer Fantine, and the bold, brassy swing of James Morrison and the New Zealand Army Band.”

These outstanding international musicians are joined by a line-up of festival faves that includes Nathan Haines and Jonathan Crayford (both multiple recipients of New Zealand’s Best Jazz Album of the Year

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Award), Kiwi blues master Darren Watson’s latest album release show, local faves The Eastern teaming up with celeb chef Richard Till for two unforgettable dinner-and-ashow combos, Pomeroy’s regulars King Tubbs wailing at Hotel Montreal on strings, sax and flute; Mary Coughlan reprising the Billie Holiday tribute show she first presented at the Festival 15 years ago, a further tribute gig to US singer Jill Scott by local songstress Roslen Ulaula, and much more besides – including lunchtime concerts, Jazz on the Tram from The River City Jazzmen, the ARA Music Arts series, Orange Studio and UC Music School shows, and the Festival’s High School Jazz Band concert, which rounds up six Christchurch high school jazz bands.

The good times continue right into the festival after-party jam at Blue Smoke on May 27, itself promising to be a festival highlight. Sumo Jazz has the conn as house band, and will be joined by many of the local, national and international musicians who featured during the week.

The complete festival programme is available on the festival website; you’ll want to jump online ASAP, start putting your own schedule together and get to booking!

Cavell Leitch New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival, May 23–27, jazzbluesfestival.co.nz

03

Don’t miss

Wondering where to start? Here’s our pick of the hottest jams.  01 — KURT ELLING Festival headliner Kurt Elling (The Piano, May 26) is a legend in modern jazz. He’s a multi-Grammy nominee and award winner, has picked up the nod for best jazz vocals in jazz mag DownBeat’s Critics’ Poll 14 consecutive times, and has been named Male Singer of the Year by the Jazz Journalists’ Association on no fewer than eight occasions. With a voice that spans four octaves and a repertoire that includes original compositions as well as modern interpretations of standards and improvisational flights of fancy, he’s toured throughout the world and won acclaim, international jazz awards and fans everywhere. This is definitely one to catch for any fan of the genre!

 03 — NATHAN HAINES & JONATHAN CRAYFORD Prolific recording artists and New Zealand jazz scene favourites Haines and Crayford come together at The Piano on May 24 in a musical collab that reworks the classic Adagio form, blending elements of modern improvised electronic music with works by Stravinsky, Barber, Bach and more, and morphing and subsequently blurring the lines between classical and improvised musical forms. Crayford (piano/keyboards) and Haines (woodwinds/electronics) are joined by a trio of violinists for something that’s a little bit different.

 02 — FANTINE Russian-born, Australian-raised, and currently based in Miami, the very international jazz singer who wowed at the 2015 festival offers two special performances this time around. On May 24 she’ll team up with local funk, soul and jazz powerhouse Oval Office for some hard-hitting grooves at Blue Smoke, before backing up on the following day at The Piano with the Symposium Jazz Orchestra to give us a further glimpse of her unique musical style, which has been described as an energy-filled fusion of indie and electro soul that makes full use of her “swampy yet sultry” voice.

 04 — JAMES MORRISON AND THE NEW ZEALAND ARMY BAND The world-renowned Australian multiinstrumentalist (try the piano, all brass, saxophones and double bass) that no less of an authority than Dizzy Gillespie called “one of the best” teams up with our own much-respected and super-energetic Army Band to open the festival with a big night of killer tunes (Isaac Theatre Royal, May 23).

Kicking the week off in an appropriately bright, bold and brassy fashion, this is gonna be a good time that seems set to all but demand that you get up out of your seat and shake your moneymaker.

04

05

02 05 — RICHARD TILL’S COUNTRY EATS  Lyttelton musos The Eastern get all country-bluesy for two evenings (May 25 & 26) of great food and great music at the Lyttelton Arts Factory, with chef and raconteur Richard Till serving up an authentic Southern-fried chicken meal to lucky diners/audience members as the gang do their thing. Expect cosy American cafeteria comfort, a delicious spread and a slamming side-serving of a good ol’ folksy stompdown.

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/ ENTERTAIN ME

HOT PICK

Watching

Our picks of the best flicks, music, books, games, and TV to get into this month.

DEADPOOL 2 The Merc-With-A-Mouth is back in a sequel to his surprise hit (May 17). Don’t expect things toned down either, after the first film became the highest-grossing R-rated film ever. Crude jokes, fourth-wall breaking and a bit of the old ultra-violence will be the order of the day as Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) enlists some super-powered help to prevent time-travelling future soldier Cable (Josh Brolin) from killing a young mutant (NZ’s own Julian Dennison, fresh off his star-making turn in Hunt For The Wilderpeople). If the film is as funny as its promotional campaign (“From the studio that brought you 27 Dresses”), it’ll be well worth a watch.

Image: Focus Features

Image: 20th Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company

LIFE OF THE PARTY TULLY Charlize Theron teams up with director Jason Reitman and screenwriter Diablo Cody again for Tully (May 10), after previous collab Young Adult (2011). She plays Marlo, a seriously struggling mum with a “quirky” son, a new baby and a rapidly approaching breakdown whose life is changed when her brother gifts her the services of a young night nanny, Tully (Mackenzie Davis, described

by Variety as looking and acting like “some heretofore unheralded relative of Julia Roberts”) – cue the millennial Mary Poppins shaking things up big time. A film that’s not afraid to look at just how hard being a mother can be, and yet offers plenty of laughs amidst some definitely no-laughing-matter issues.

The always reliably hilarious Melissa McCarthy gets a second chance at college life in Life of the Party (May 10). Written by McCarthy and her husband Ben Falcone, who also directs, the flick sees newly-dumped middle-aged mum Deanna heading back to college to turn regret into reset, ending up in the same class – naturally – as her daughter. A reinvention as campus-cool-kid ‘Dee Rock’ beckons as Deanna grabs her second go at the wild-partying college years (and cute college boys many years her junior) with both hands; think Drew Barrymore’s Never Been Kissed advanced from the high school environment to the tertiary one.

WIN! We have 5 double passes to Life of the Party to giveaway.

To score one, email info@somocreative.co.nz with “Party” in the subject line and tell us your fave Mum story. Entries close May 6.

DVD: GUNPOWDER Primo BBC three-part mini-series Gunpowder tells the – often violent and gruesome – tale of British activist and regular pyro Guy Fawkes and his band of provincial English Catholics (including Game of Thrones’ Jon Snow - AKA Kit Harington) and their plan to blow up the House of Lords and take out King James I. The gripping (and dare we say, explosive?) drama also stars Liv Tyler and Peter Mullan.

WIN! We have a copy of Gunpowder to giveaway. To enter, email us at info@somocreative.co.nz with “Gunpowder” in the subject line and tell us why you gotta see this series. Entries close May 31.

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/ ENTERTAIN ME

PLAYLIST

The killer tracks on high-rotation in the Cityscape office.

RACING ‘Motel Pool’ The Bass

Listening ARCTIC MONKEYS – TRANQUILITY BASE HOTEL & CASINO

It’s been ages since the Sheffield lads that some have hailed as the saviours of rock ‘n’ roll brought us the hit-packed AM, which injected a fistful of killer singles into the charts and shot straight into everyone’s Top Albums of 2013 lists. Now they’re back with this intriguinglynamed new LP (May 11), and while no-one’s had much of a listen yet, track names like ‘The World’s First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip’, ‘Batphone’ and ‘The Ultracheese’ seem to indicate they still love a bit of rock randomness.

TAMI NEILSON – SASSAFRASS!

Reading

Diaries out, Tami Neilson fans – the awardwinning Canadian-born New Zealand singersongwriter’s new album SASSAFRASS! drops on June 1. It’s a bit of a new direction for Neilson, tending in the direction of soul music without entirely abandoning her country and rockabilly roots. The retro, classic sound of the album, c/o brass and string additions to

Neilson’s normal musical backers the Hot Rockin’ Band of Rhythm, is contemporised by Neilson’s very relatable lyrics – witness first single ‘Stay Outta My Business’, which takes aim at trash-talkers and naysayers in fine, hip-shaking fashion.

MERK ‘Lucky Dilemma’ Swordfish

JED PARSONS ‘Everybody’s Stupid’ Single

COURTNEY BARNETT – TELL ME HOW YOU REALLY FEEL Aussie indie darling Courtney Barnett’s second solo album (May 18) is a highly anticipated one, with the singer-songwriter’s first LP of deadpan, confessional tunes about asthma attacks and internal angst earning her an Australian Music Prize and a swag of noms from international critics for best of the year lists in 2015. Lead single ‘Nameless, Faceless’ sees the current Melbournite taking on anonymous male trolls and toxic masculinity with typically scorching wit in a grunge-pop rallying cry for our times, with The Pixies’/The Breeders’ Kim Deal also dropping some backing vocals for additional and impeccable rock-chick cred.

DIARY OF A BOOKSELLER, SHAUN BYTHELL The wry diaries of Bythell, owner of Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop – who once shot a Kindle and mounted it on the wall – hilariously detail the tribulations of the small business book trade in the 21st Century, with charming insights into eccentric personalities and small town life aplenty as well.

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FRANZ FERDINAND ‘Lazy Boy’ Always Ascending

THE WAR ON DRUGS ‘Up All Night’ A Deeper Understanding

GOOD NIGHT STORIES FOR REBEL GIRLS 2, ELENA FAVILLI & FRANCESCA CAVALLO After the first volume broke crowdfunding records, this second anti-princess collection offers over 100 bedtime stories about real, extraordinary women from all over the world – including scientists, activists, authors, leaders, artists, and more – and is illustrated by some of the world’s best female artists.

/ ENTERTAIN ME

Playing DETROIT: BECOME HUMAN STATE OF DECAY 2 Zombie survival title/stress-manufacturer State of Decay snuck up on everyone to become a big hit in 2013. Now five years later, the sequel is arriving on Windows and Xbox (May 22), and will once again task players with building and maintaining a community of survivors in the open world of a zombie apocalypse. As in the first game, you’ll play as a whole community of people, each with their own backgrounds and skills; you’ll improve their base, manage their interpersonal relationships, and of course, roam a terrifying zombie-infested world trying to scavenge the stuff you need to survive. Here’s your chance to see how you’d fare as a character in The Walking Dead, or just to get some important survival training in now ahead of the real zombie apocalypse. stateofdecay.com

BINGEWATCHING

01 Image: HBO

Quantic Dreams CEO/auteur David Cage knocked out a 2,000 page script for the upcoming Detroit: Become Human (May 25), the latest of his narrative-focussed epics. Set in a future version of Michigan’s largest city, the action-adventure game’s plot revolves around three androids: Kara, who escapes the factory she was made in, Connor, whose Blade Runner-style job it is to hunt down deviant androids; and Markus, who wants to free androids from servitude. Depending on the player’s actions, characters may live or die, but a lack of ‘Game Over’ screens means the story continues in their absence, and branches according to the player’s choices; it’s been described as “a moral puzzle of dangerous options”. With a casting process in LA, London and Paris that lined up 250 actors for over 35,000 camera shots and 74,000 unique animations, the game certainly isn’t skimping on production values; let’s see if it lives up to the hype. playstation.com/en-us/games/detroit-become-human-ps4

Yes there’s a lot of good new stuff, but don’t forget to check out some of the all-time greats.

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Image: HBO

01 — GAME OF THRONES The world collectively groaned when HBO announced we wouldn’t see the big conclusion of Game of Thrones until 2019, but look on the bright side – we’ve now got plenty of breathing space to make our way through a refresher on all the dragons and death so far. Go back to the beginning (Sean Bean! Remember Sean Bean?) and prime yourself properly now for the biggest TV event – or perhaps even cultural moment, full stop – of next year.

02 — GIRLS Lena Dunham’s dramedy won her not only fame and fortune but a focal position in the cultural zeitgeist. If you’re wondering why she’s still such a lightning-rod figure, you need to make your way through the six seasons of Girls, her funny-tragic tale of four friends in New York navigating life that won acclaim for its raw nature, humour, and refreshing tone.

Image: HBO

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03 — SIX FEET UNDER The family saga of the Fisher family (and friends and lovers), who run a funeral home in Los Angeles, is a regular feature on critics’ all-time greatest lists. If you want some seriously good writing and acting, a healthy dose of black comedy and more than a few tear-jerking moments (including one of the best finales in television history), this is for you.

CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ May 18

Image: charlierosecreative.com

Food & Drink 5th Impend-ment

We’ll be honest with you Christchurch – we’ve been hanging out for this one for a while now, and at time of writing 5th Street, the new Sydenham restaurant from the folks behind city fave café Hello Sunday (and located just opposite it) was poised to throw open its doors. We can expect a focus on primo eats and cocktails in a retro-cool converted warehouse space with a welcoming community vibe; think exposed rafters with a green canopy of tangled vines, leather couches, coffee tables, and small bistro plates in the bar, and a restaurant that will showcase the freshest local produce with a constantly updated and evolving menu – and with food coming from the same team behind that bodacious Hello Sunday menu, it’s safe to say your gastronomic anticipation levels should be high. See you down there! 5thstreet.co.nz

TEA TIME Step back to simpler times at Penny Black, the lavish new tearoom at The Tannery that’s happy to bring a bit of Victoriana to your 2018 lifestyle.

They serve light breakfasts, lunches, and morning, afternoon and (sky-)high teas, plus cakes and sweets in decadent, indulgent – and of course, mannered – Victorian style. penny-black.co.nz

GREAT SCOTT!

The Generations Pinot Noir 2016 (RRP $36) combines aromas of lip-staining cherries and Black Doris plums with a whisper of maple; they’re backed up by tight, bright fruit, light tannins and subtle oak notes courtesy of 100% French oak barrelling, all shined off with a velvety mouthfeel. allanscott.com

PRE-TRENDING

Step away from the turmeric latte – the java variation on the up at the moment is mushroom coffee. Typically tapping ground chaga, reishi or cordyceps mushrooms, the concoction is something close to your standard black coffee, but with what’s said to be a “rich”, “mellow” and “earthy” taste, plus the various purported medicinal benefits of the mushies. Yum?

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JOCO REUSABLE CUPS

COMING TO UNDERGROUND COFFEE

Reusable is best! BPA- and chemical-free Joco cups are coming to Underground soon.

Underground have teamed up with local artistic talent to release a one-off range of limited edition 8 & 12 oz. cups.

Watch the website for more! undergroundcoffee.co.nz

NOT STIRRED WHEN IS A MARTINI NOT A MARTINI? WHEN IT’S AN ESPRESSO MARTINI, WHICH BORROWS THE NAME OF ITS FAMOUS GIN AND-VERMOUTH COUNTERPART WITHOUT REALLY BEING ONE. THIS DRINK OF THE MOMENT IS EVERYWHERE RIGHT NOW, AND INCREASINGLY DELECTABLE VERSIONS OF ITS BASIC FORMULA (LEGENDARILY SAID TO HAVE BEEN FIRST PERFECTED IN THE LATE 80S BY ICONIC LONDON BARTENDER

DICK

BRADSELL

WHEN A YOUNG LADY ASKED HIM FOR SOMETHING THAT WOULD “WAKE ME UP, AND THEN F*CK ME UP”) ARE A GO-TO AT ANY SERIOUS COCKTAIL ESTABLISHMENT. WITH AUTUMN UPON US, WE’VE RUN DOWN A FEW FANTASTIC CHRISTCHURCH VARIATIONS ON THIS PERFECT DRINK FOR THE COOLING WEATHER… GOTTA CATCH THEM ALL? IF YOU CAN’T, YOU’LL AT LEAST HAVE FUN TRYING!

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Five to try

ESPRESSO MARTINI Where: Chillingworth Road Why: Quick Brown Fox coffee liqueur (handcrafted in Dunedin) is the solid base for Chillingworth Road’s version of the drink, but then things get really interesting; house-infused ‘Fix and Fogg’ Peanut Butter Vodka serves as the base. The vodka is vacuum-sealed in with Fix and Fogg’s finest, then goes into the sous vide to infuse.

Frangelico hazelnut liqueur adds depth and complexity and salted caramel syrup balances the finish, adding sweetness to C4 coffee’s Krank Espresso and a touch of salt to those peanuts.

Drink them in Cityscapers!

EASTERN ESPRESSO Where: Welles Street Why: Vodka be damned say Welles Street; as we established, these aren’t really martinis anyway, and why rein in the tasty creativity? Instead, their ingenious twist on the drink taps spiced brandy before calling in help from Frangelico and cold drip coffee prepared for just such a heavenly purpose, finishing things off with hints of cinnamon and vanilla.

Dangerously tasty.

BUTTER-INFUSED VODKA MARTINI Where: Boo Radley’s Why: Boo’s take on this modern classic embraces some old fashioned Southern-states decadence, teaming fat-washed butter vodka (!) with Quick Brown Fox once again; these are joined by cold brew coffee and cinnamon infused sugar syrup in a delightfully velvety concoction. For maximum points, strain through your massive Mark Twain-style moustache and exclaim “…I do declare!” afterwards.

CAFFE NERO

COFFEE MATES

Where: Universo Brasserie & Bar Why: Coffee goes well with plenty of flavours, and recognising that, Universo bring a bit of Black Forest-themed inspo to their version of the drink. They start with a reduction of vanilla, sugar, and Panhead Oatmeal Stout for an excellent mouthfeel. This is joined by blackberry syrup, vodka, coffee, and a splash of Italian liqueur Disaronno for an almond/cherry hit. It’s basically like getting the best birthday cake ever in a glass, and just as good as that sounds.

Where: Vesuvio Why: Vesuvio’s coffee cocktail takes the concept of Irishing up your coffee to new levels. It stars Jameson Caskmates, a drink that emerged from a chat between the Irish distillery’s head distiller and the head brewer of Cork’s Franciscan Well Brewer. Aged in stout barrels, the whisky offers notes of coffee and butterscotch by itself; add in Harpoon cold press and Quick Brown Fox again (what a cocktail champion!) and you’ve got a full bodied and rich drinking experience.

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#INSTA-EATS ‘Grammable dining experiences for your foodie bucket list.

Recipe Moroccan Lentil Soup with Preserved Lemon

Made Espresso Bar’s owners (and all-round dynamic duo) Michelle Burns and Kate Bloomfield share a killer recipe from the MEB repertoire that’s bound to delight on chillier days. Honest, wholesome and simple is the mantra at Made Espresso Bar, and their Moroccan Lentil Soup with Preserved Lemon ticks all the boxes and is one of their go-to classics – a great winter warmer that’s both hearty and nourishing.

MAKING IT HAPPEN In a bowl, combine the spices and put to the side. Heat the olive oil in a stock pot. Add onions, carrots, celery and capsicum and sauté until golden and tender, about 7 minutes, on a medium heat. Add the garlic, ginger and spice mix and sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes. Add the rinsed lentils and kumara so they get a nice coating of the spices, then add the stock, tinned tomatoes, tomato paste and preserved lemon. Bring to the boil, then turn the element to a low heat and let it simmer for about 20–25 minutes until the lentils are cooked. Stir occasionally to make sure the lentils aren’t catching on the bottom. Throw in the kale or spinach with a few minutes to go so it becomes lightly blanched. Season with salt and pepper and garnish with the fresh coriander and/or yogurt.

BREW NEWS

SHOPPING LIST

A good glug of olive oil 1 onion, chopped 1 stalk of celery, chopped 2 carrots, chopped into half rounds 1 large red capsicum, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, crushed Knob of ginger, microplaned/grated 2 red kumara, diced 1 ½ cups beluga black lentils, rinsed 2 tins of diced tomatoes 1 Tb tomato paste 2 L vegetable stock 1 preserved lemon, pith removed and chopped Bunch of kale or spinach, washed and chopped Bunch of fresh coriander, roughly chopped Coconut/Greek yogurt (optional for serving)

BIBIMBAP #sisterkong

SPICE MIX

The pursuit of hoppiness with Muz Moeller, Andy Teo and the Dux tribe.

2 Tb garam masala 1 tsp cardamom powder 1 Tb turmeric powder 1 tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp cumin powder 1 tsp coriander powder

What’s good y’all? A Ginger Tom served cold as ice at the institution that was the Dux de Lux (RIP) was a city classic until a certain earthquake ruined everything, including the paper the recipe was on. There was only one thing to do: get a new piece of paper and write a new recipe. The new Ginger Tom still has the original flavours of freshly-ground ginger and orange peel, but isn’t so much a forceful assault of flavour headbutting its way through your palate. Instead, the reDux is a clean, quenching suggestion that a braised beef cheek or a Thai red curry, plus a night out, might be in the offing.

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ORANGE & VANILLA CRÊPES #originalsin

CITYSCAPE.CO.NZ May 18

THE MEDITERRANEAN PLATTER #wellesstreet

FISH TACOS #uncommon

/ FOOD & DRINK

REVIEW

The Camden Restaurant & Bar Level 1, 235 Riccarton Road, 03 341 5567, Find them on Facebook

The crackling is next level – the roaring crunch and vibrations ricochet around my mouth, filling my ears and cancelling out all other distractions. It’s like a delicious meditation and is likely the start of an incurable addiction – and is just one of the stars on The Camden Restaurant and Bar’s Trio of Pork. This crowning golden glory sits atop the equally seductive, meltingly-tender pork belly, and is joined by rounds of delicately flavoured pink-tinged seared pork loin and the meaty decadence of a moist, moreish pork cheek and pig head croquette, all alongside a silken kumara puree and braised red cabbage with crunch.

Perched above Riccarton Road, the venue that was formerly the ode to outer space, Stellar, is now unrecognisable, following its transformation to New York loft cool with an industrial English bent. Walking up the stairs sets the scene as we pass imagery of central London from back in the day, while at the top we’re greeted by an enormous print of namesake Camden Lock, as well as Duty Manager and all-round charmer John McNaughton. Inside it’s a dark and sultry affair with rustic bricked walls and character

industrial lighting, wooden floors, and the odd bit of quirky detailing.

We get the party started with house cocktail The Camden. The pimped-up take on a Long Island Ice Tea features a heady mix of vodka, gin, tequila and Chambord muddled with fresh lime. The Chambord proves a genius addition, with its raspberry sweetness freshening the drink and balancing the acidity. Locking in generous starters, we graze our way through a toasty trifecta of house breads complete with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar, dukkah, and a banging housemade cashew and capsicum dip, as well as a fierce line-up of plump and crispy-bottomed pork and prawn pot-sticker dumplings spiked with a sharp ginger soy dressing, bok choy, oyster mushrooms and cashew nuts. The dumplings in particular are an immediate hit and a near-meal in themselves.

Accompanying the Trio of Pork for mains is the culinary magic of the venue’s signature standouts, Canterbury Farmed Lamb Rack and Spanish Paella. Sporting a lightly caramelised salty crust, the tender lamb’s delicate flavours are expertly drawn

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out, while the braised lamb shoulder is a gamey revelation, and a sublime companion to the Bannock Brae Goldfields Pinot Noir’s lavish sun-warmed cherry and liquorice nuances. An unforgettable golden-topped buttery potato gratin and peerless mint and pea pesto shine things off.

None of the flavours are wasted in the seafood-packed paella, which is served in the pan it was made in. An elegant display of smoked salmon, mussels, clams, tiger prawns, squid and smoked chicken are nestled on chorizo-studded rice in this comforting and colourful new-found fave.

Our ‘Something Sweet’ ends the night on a high with the White Chocolate Mousse (surely one of the city’s finest, a flavourbomb fusion of rich and creamy mousse, dark chocolate soil, chewy meringue pieces, sharp berry compote, fresh strawberries and burnt toffee wafer) and the refreshing Matcha Tiramisu, in which the slight bitterness of the green tea-infused light sponge is offset with rum, velvety mascarpone and raspberries, resulting in the ultimate bitter sweet symphony.

food & drink hotspots

SHARED DINING

Tamarind Restaurant & Bar A specialty restaurant serving authentic South Indian. Discover Kerala’s culinary treasures. 105C Riccarton Road 03 343 5435 tamarindsouth indian.com

NOM NOM KITCHEN

The Haps

DRINK IT IN

Time for a catch-up with friends or whanau over some delicious nosh? Round up the clan and head for the relaxed opulence of The Happening, where they make a social shindig easy with small plates like Filo Prawn Twisters, Crispy Chicken Bites and Truffle Fries to pass around and sharing options that include breads and dips, their seriously tempting cheese selection, and the mighty Happening Board, with a tempting smorgasbord of meats and local fish, marinated vegetables, onion preserve, crisp bark, and oatcakes that’s got something for everyone. With New Zealand craft beers, a 95% Kiwi wine list and many other delicious à la carte options available as well, it’s no problem keeping everyone onside! thehappening.co.nz

Experience tasty, fresh South East Asian cuisine at one of two cosy, fully licensed locations.

Classic dishes are served up by friendly and professional staff who care about your dining experience. Perfect for your next family catch-up or special occasion – or just a great meal!

7 Normans Road 03 355 3909 & 257 High Street, Rangiora 03 313 4276 nomnomkitchen.co.nz

Café Valentino This local hospitality legend serves up perfect pizza from their woodfired pizza oven and soul-satisfying pasta dishes. 168 St Asaph Street 03 377 1886 cafevalentino.co.nz

D’YOU KNOW JUNO?

With Juno the Roman goddess of marriage, BeGin Distilling Ltd. decided she was the perfect deity to name their special Kiwi–made gin, which marries pure mountain water and fine botanicals and spices. With juniper at its heart (obviously) and golden coriander bringing warmth and a whisper of lemon, this sublime boutique spirit also taps orris root, kaffir lime leaves, green cardamom, angelica root, manuka and cassia bark for an exotic elixir. Looking for something a bit different? Seek out their seasonal varieties, which use things like gorse flower and key lime, or cranberries and Vietnamese mint.

Right then – who’s got the tonic? junogin.co.nz

Persian Kitchen A traditional Turkish/ Persian dining experience with a great range of fresh food and flavours. Dine in or takeaway. 325 Stanmore Road 03 389 0400 persiankitchen.co.nz

ARBO/ARBORISTA Arbo and offsider espresso bar Arborista bring fast, relaxed food service to the city centre.

Arbo is a café seated around the base of a stunning 6-metre white tree. It has extensive menu and cabinet options, C4 coffee and a Canterbury-only wine list.

Arborista cranks out coffees and top shelf NZ wines, beers and spirits. ANZ Centre, 265 High Street 03 420 0808 arbo.co.nz

Merrin Street Brewery Bar Enjoy the legendary hospitality of the West Coast in a relaxed, fun and friendly venue.

Avonhead Mall, 210 Withells Road 03 358 8184 mbbmerrinst.co.nz

Chew on this Christchurch’s craziest mexican joint Chiwahwah Mexican Cantina Bar, from Tony Astle the creator of King of Snake and Universo, is opening at The Terrace!

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/ FOOD & DRINK

REVIEW

Spagalimis Pizzeria & Bar 32 Salisbury Street, 03 379 7159, spagalimis.co.nz

The wax-caked Chianti wine-bottle-as-acandle-holder is an Italian classic and a hard act to pull off outside of romantic back alley dinners as seen in Lady and the Tramp, but in the moody interior of Spagalimi’s Pizzeria & Bar, it’s bang on the money. The guttering candlelight flickers over the table and dances across the jester mural on the wall above. The historic Ironside House location provides a brilliant, atmospheric backdrop to the iconic, now 40-year-old eatery, and is handily just around the corner from its former Victoria Street digs and its decades of memories.

It’s early evening and the autumn sun drenching the deck and its lush, tangled

garden is making a strong case for alfresco dining; however, after breezing by the slick bar and into the broody intimacy of the dining area (one of three), we pull up under the mural and scan the menu and its 39 flavours of pizzas – some of which date back to the original line-up when the restaurant first opened back in 1978.

We also find ourselves spoiled for choice when it comes to chip selection, with six varieties on offer, though the crunchy, golden nostalgia of Spags Chips makes it impossible to look beyond these legendary classics, and we dutifully order in a bowl alongside a then-and-now half-and-half combo – the old-skool Spags Special and the avant-garde Lambada Pizza. A Prawn and Chorizo Pasta and a couple of glasses of red (natch) round out the order.

We’re sipping on the easy-drinking charms of a Russian Jack Pinot Noir and a supple Mt Difficulty Roaring Meg Pinot Noir, listening to a soundtrack that spans Frank Sinatra to Pat Benatar, Sam Smith and Paul Kelly and watching the city come alive outside when Duty Manager Christina Young sets down the famously crinkleedged pizza, immediately

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followed by the chips and pasta. It makes for a bodacious banquet – and a romp down memory lane.

The chips, complete with their signature sweet and sour sauce, are epic morsels of fluffy potato wrapped in an über-crisp shell, and deliver a soul-satisfying crunch that’s perfectly set off by the balanced tang of the sauce. A stone-cold classic (but served piping hot!), the Spags Special side of the pizza sees the just-right base (not too thick or thin, and brilliantly crisped) piled with bacon, pepperoni, onions, tomatoes and mushrooms – after the first bite it’s evident why this killer combo is still on the menu after four decades.

Its neighbour is no slouch in the flavour department either. A relative newcomer by comparison, the Lambada is a sultry union of succulent lamb that jostles alongside sweet and smoky roasted red pepper, salty feta, olives, the nuttiness of roasted garlic and swirls of delicate minted garlic sauce, and it brilliantly accompanies the two pinots’ berry undertones and light spiciness. The Prawn and Chorizo Pasta is similarly winning, with plump prawns and fiery chorizo tossed through al dente spaghetti bound in olive oil, garlic and parmesan. A hint of chilli gives the dish a nice hum, and the spaghetti affords the perfect opportunity to re-enact that famous canine kiss!

THE LAST WORD

GOING WITH THE FLOE We chill out with Christchurch’s hottest dance export Corey Baker, who choreographed Antarctica’s first ice dance for Royal New Zealand Ballet dancer Madeleine Graham in the BBC documentary Antarctica: The First Dance, and will be world-premiering his piece The Last Dance in RNZB’s Dancing With Mozart tetralogy next month.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAVE MEMORY FROM THE TRIP. There are two. One was that four whales popped out of the sea ice in front of us on a very early, cold morning and then swam as if they were dancing for us! Two was when I had five minutes to myself to enjoy the most amazing view I have ever seen, and I imagine will ever see. It was the most perfect five minutes of my life.

YOU’RE MELDING CLIMATE CHANGE AND MOZART INTO DANCE – HOW COMPLEMENTARY ARE THE TWO? For the dance film Antarctica: The First Dance we used music by London Grammar.

For my new ballet with Royal New Zealand Ballet, as part of the Dancing With Mozart bill, I will be using Mozart’s Requiem.

‘Requiem’ of course means to mourn a loss, and unfortunately we are losing Antarctica, so it felt very fitting.

WHAT CHALLENGES DID YOU HAVE TO OVERCOME? Dancing in the snow was extremely hard, and unpredictable – we sometimes suddenly found ourselves in a metre of snow! The cold was obviously a

challenge and changed on an hourly basis, and it didn’t help that Maddy wasn’t wearing gloves for the majority of the film.

It was also complex and difficult to witness the most amazing sights and to know that they could be gone forever.

TELL US ABOUT THE COSTUMING. For our film, Madeleine wore special clothing from our partner Earth Sea Sky. It was amazing to have a New Zealand, family-run company help us with the project and provide Maddy with clothing that kept her warm, safe and able to dance.

WHAT’S THE ONE THING YOU HOPE PEOPLE TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR PIECE? An urgency to talk about climate change.

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WHAT ARE THE THREE KEY INGREDIENTS FOR A FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE? When creating I would go with: pace, engagement, and being made for the audience. When performing I’d go with: not holding back, freedom and precision.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM THE WORLD PREMIERE? You can expect me to be there and making changes behind the scenes right up to a minute before the curtain goes up. I have the worst OCD, and am never happy with my work!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE THING TO DO WHEN YOU’RE BACK IN CHRISTCHURCH? Running around the Riccarton Racecourse is my jam. I also like hanging out with my brother and family. I’m loving all the new trendy cafés around CHCH now, and New Regent Street is often where you will find me – and at an appropriate hour at the whisky bar there!

Image: Jacob Bryant

HOW WAS LIFE ON SCOTT BASE? It was amazing. I totally expected we would be slumming it, but actually there was a movie room, a bar, a sauna, a gym, even a costume department! I genuinely didn’t want to leave!

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