Brisbane - Australia 2004 - page 251

The state opera company, Opera Queensland, performs a lively repertoire of
traditional opera as well as modern works, musicals, and choral concerts. Free
talks on the opera you are about to see start in the foyer 45 minutes before every
performance, and free close-up tours of the set are held after every performance
(except the final night). Most performances take place at the Queensland Per-
forming Arts Centre (QPAC). Call & 07/3875 3030 for administration. Tick-
ets average A$33 to A$118 (US$21-US$77) or A$37 (US$24) at some
performances if you're age 30 or under.
The Queensland Orchestra ( & 07/3377 5000 for administration) provides
classical music lovers with a diverse mix of orchestral and chamber music, with
the odd foray into fun material, such as Cole Porter hits and gospel music, per-
forming about 30 concerts a year. Free talks are given in the foyer 1 hour before
all major performances. The occasional “Tea and Symphony” concerts at City
Hall include tea and coffee. The orchestra plays at the Concert Hall in the
Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) or City Hall, though more intimate
works are sometimes staged at its studios at 53 Ferry Rd., West End. Tickets cost
A$35 to A$50 (US$23-US$33), less if you are a full-time student or under 26.
NIGHTCLUBS & BARS
Friday's This indoor/outdoor bar, restaurant, and nightclub complex over-
looking the Brisbane River is a haunt for “the Zoolander generation” of 18 to 40
year olds. Every Tuesday to Saturday night sees some kind of happy-hour deal,
cocktail club, or drinks special, and the dance action starts pumping around
11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Every third Wednesday of the month from 6
to 8:30pm the Wine Club welcomes over-30s with all the wine, champagne,
spirits, beer, food, and live bands they can take for A$30 (US$20). Sounds on
Sunday, from 2pm till very late, features top DJs from around Australia. Upstairs
in Riverside Centre, 123 Eagle St. & 07/3832 2122. Cover A$7-A$10 (US$4.55-US$6.50). City-
Cat to Riverside.
Margaux's A smart mid-30s to mid-40s crowd gathers to dance and chat over
cocktails and supper at this clubby joint. It's open Friday and Saturday from
9pm to 3am; happy hour is 9:30 to 10:30pm. 5th fl., Brisbane Hilton, 190 Elizabeth St.
& 07/3234 2000. Cover A$5 (US$3.25) Sat night. Train: Central.
Treasury Casino This lovely heritage building—built in 1886 as, ironically
enough, the state's Treasury offices—houses a modern casino. Three levels of
100 gaming tables offer roulette, blackjack, baccarat, craps, sic-bo, and tradi-
tional Aussie two-up. There are more than 1,000 slot machines, five restaurants
and seven bars, and it's open 24 hours. Live bands appear nightly in the Livewire
Bar. Ask about Ride and Dine deals, in which your bus, train, ferry, or taxi fare
entitles you to buy a package of cheap gaming chips and a meal. Queen St. between
George and William sts. & 07/3306 8888. Must be 18 years old to enter; neat casual attire
required (no beachwear or thongs). Closed Christmas, Good Friday, and until 1pm Anzac Day (Apr
25). No cover. Train: Central or South Brisbane (then walk across the Victoria Bridge).
Zenbar Minimalist Manhattan style interiors with an 8m-high (26-ft.) glass
wall overlooking a bamboo garden make this one of the hippest joints in town.
It's a restaurant as well, but the bar is packed on Friday and Saturday nights with
office workers and beautiful people. There are about 40 wines by the glass, but
in this kind of place you should be drinking a margarita or martini. The music
ranges from '70s underground jazz and lounge to ultramodern funk house on
Fridays, and on Saturdays the mood changes to easy background music. Park level,
Post Office Sq., 215 Adelaide St. & 07/3211 2333. No cover. Train: Central.