It’s that time again when you need to head out east - Brunswick East to be exact - and check out Kumo Izakaya & Sake Bar.Kumo ('cloud') Izakaya opened during the first week of August in Lygon Street, Brunswick East. Izakayas are known for having have a great range of small and large dishes ordered as-you-like-it as the night unfolds and this is no exception.Andre Bishop who also runs the two Chuji’s, Nihonshu and Robot Bar has put his sake knowledge to the ultimate test and is focusing on what he knows best. Andre was nice enough to walk us through the full sake list and give his recommendations. With his help we settled upon a bottle of Kitzakura Draft Blue Sake. It was a mellow sake with the aroma of pear – light easy drinking.We started with the ceviche which was glorious and the chef must have had some fancy knife-work to dice the chives so finely. Next up was oysters served natural with Ponzu and Lemon were a perfect mix of cream and understated heat. The Asian mix of juices complemented the salt of the oysters.Another standout dish was the King Prawn Fry Wrapped in Potato with Green Tea Salt with its outer layer of crispy beautifulness and a fat prawn that was cooked perfectly. The Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly Pie kicked a goal with pastry done to perfection with chunks of pork belly in the centre. The accompanying sauce played a major part adding to the succulence of the dish.The Fruity Plum Wine Karaage Chicken was another star dish. It was perfectly tender inside and crispy on the outside – just how it is meant to be. The plum sauce is drizzled over the top to give the chicken and accompanying salad a nice sweet edge.Andre Bishop has served up a great location to lose yourself in Japaese Sake, food and culture on the main drag of Brunswick East.  Take the time to visit Kumo Izakaya & Sake Bar where they are keeping up with the traditional elements of izakaya but also breaking new ground.Kumo Izakaya & Sake Bar152 Lygon StreetEast BrunswickPh. (03) 9388 1505Monday-Saturday, 5:30pm-lateDetails: KumoBy Nic Crilly Hargrave

Every Wednesday evening in Melbourne’s inner city suburbs, a group gathers to play the ukulele. Titled the Melbourne Ukulele Kollective, and outnumbered by beginners, the group is united through a passion for the instrument. Having performed at Federation Square and the Port Fairy Folk Festival, it might not be long ‘til you can claim you knew this group before they went commercial.If you’ve been watching the new TV program Fringe Lane, you’ll know what I’m on about. In only the show’s second week on air, Fringe Lane has featured segments on Melbourne’s Ukulele Kollective, St. Kilda’s Veg Out Community Garden, West Footscray’s Women’s Circus, and other quirky attributes of this city.Fringe Lane focuses on Melbourne’s art, fashion, food and music culture. Hosted by four young women, the show presents stories on emerging and undiscovered pastimes, enterprises and events that slip under the mainstream media radar. ‘We just felt there was no room on Australian television for something a bit different, a little left-of-centre, so this is our way of trying to change that’, says Fringe Lane Producer, Tahlia Azaria. Better yet, Fringe Lane is associated with Yourthworx Productions, enabling at-risk minors to get involved in the show’s production. Watch Fringe Lane, and you’ll be supporting Melbourne youths gain skills in editing, and operating cameras, audio and lights for the program. Fringe Lane Wednesday evenings 8:00pmChannel 31 (Digital Channel 44)Details: Fringe Lane

Opened with no notice to anyone last night and then first thing again this morning, Bar Americano is now officially open for business. From the team at Der Raum, this latest offering is an all day affair serving, light meals, mean espresso and cocktails based on the Italian aperitivo culture. Down an alleyway of another alleyway off Little Collins St, the space holds about 10 people, 2 bartenders and a vibe that's already buzzing. It looks like this might be the start of a turnaround for city drinking culture, encouraging good drinking in a relaxed environment, straight after work, everyday of the week. With long time bar manager from Der Raum, Matt Rees holding the reins along with some new and old faces, Der Raum regulars will feel right at home (and maybe a little closer to their homes). The cocktail list is succinct, but awesome. Simple, no fuss, but perfectly executed with fresh ingredients and quality booze. The espresso comes courtesy of Supreme with a focus on pushing a traditional Italian style and you can even pick yourself up some custom sweets by Burch and Purchese. Let's hope this is the first of many new small bars in the city to bring back our world renowned laneway drinking culture. Bar Americano 20 Presgrave Place (off Howey place, which is off Little Collins) 7am - 4pm Monday 7am - 11pm Tuesday - Saturday No Photos, No Credit Cards, No Bookings (Great Chat!) Details: Bar Americano

So many ‘heroes’ in the public eye are a sham. Cousins, Sheen, Spears, Trump.Rightful respect then goes to the crew from ‘No Scribbles’ for their recent artistic celebration of everyday heroes. Northside Heroes exhibition explores varied interpretations of heroism ‘amidst the rising tide of gentrification of Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs.’ Community and culture have been combined like the powers of those Captain Planet kids, resulting in diverse pieces that capture the spirit of local do-gooders and generally outstanding characters. Opening night was Thursday June 9. I am not a hero for failing to post this in time for the opening. But there is still this weekend for you to trek out to ghetto Brunswick to view the work of some very talented heroes. These artists might even lend you some coins on the tram or give you their still-valid Metcard, offer you some of their Pick and Mix, or pour you a beer, being local and all.It would be nice to support their creative brilliance and see the people they think are heroes too. Northside Heroes Lot 5/29 Tinning Street, Brunswick June 9th - 19thOpen Thursday – Sunday11am – 5pmDetails: Tinning Street

Ben Sherman is at it again. Taking a host of local talent, letting them thrash out their tunes and politely requesting they make some covers of British classics to create an altoghether tangible link to British music culminating in an extraordinarily good gig that we are highly recommending you go and check out. Previous years have seen some acts that have now gone on to big things, and this year it's the turn of the new guard including Strange Talk, Ball Park Music and Boy in a Box. In order to encourage the love of all things 'British Pop' those kind folk down at Ben Sherman are giving you the chance to !!!WIN!!! two (2) tickets to the gig at The Corner AND a $100 gift voucher for Ben Sherman swag so you don't look like a total noob when you show up at a British gig. Just Send us a YouTube link or photo of your favo' Brit Pop Trashbag. Pete Doherty, Katy Perry (acceptable due to the tangible link of her being married to 'The Brand') or from a time when men were men and The Specials reigned supreme. Send it to subculture@dailymelbourne.com for your chance to !!!WIN!!! Otherwise, buy some tickets here - $10 + bf (Bargain) Ben Sherman Big British Sound The Corner Hotel May 11th Details: Ben Sherman on FB

The crew from Acclaim Magazine have put together a fairly ridiculous line up for their upcoming forum series called Carbon.Amassing a 'who's who' of the street and counter culture from locally and abroad, there has undoubtedly never been a series to parallel this within the country.Start out with Futura, this guy owns graf. Bobby Hundreds from LA, Noah Callahan Beaver, current editor of Complex Magazine and a host more internationals.Locally Tristan Ceddia, the King of the Serps and current trendsetter at Ksubi pairs up with Jimmy Bliggs of Grand Scheme and local darlings Beci Orpin and Alex Weiland head the domestic team.A series of four forums entitled BEYOND THE BRAND, BUILDING A T SHIRT LABEL, CRAFTSMANSHIP AND IMAGINATION and THE ART OF HYPE cover some exciting niches that are doubtless going to be beneficial to a broad cross section of people from a host of industries or those looking for an excellent source of inspiration.There's also a host of side events on the bill including workshops and parties to get involved in. CARBON29th April - 1st May, Federation SquareDETAILS: Carbon

The dust has now settled on epic launches for the photo and editorial essay from the force of nature that is the Everfresh crew. From the massive and stunning pieces around town like that on the side of the NightCat in Fitzroy (pictured below) to small throw-ups and commercial work in Tokyo, LA, Mexico and more.  The crew of Sync, Phibs, Reka, Rone, Wonderlust, Prizm, Meggs, Makatron and The Tooth are all profiled with awesome editorial and great spreads of all their work. The book reveals the work of these tireless and talented men in full glossy glory. Work you won't see anywhere else due it being private, taken down or replaced, it culminates in art book for the modern age. This is a reference for Melbourne graffiti and equally as important, Melbourne culture and how inextricably linked it is to our fabric. All good book stores are stocking the soft copy, published through Melbourne University Press for $39.99.  Details: Everfresh

The MIAF (so called because Melbourne International Animation Festival is hard to say and write quickly) is on from 19th to 27th June at ACMI. In it's tenth year, this festival for grown up cartoons features the worlds best short animated films. With a combination of competitions and curated exhibited films, this festival is the perfect obscure culture hit you were looking for on a cold winter day. Over 400 films showing over 9 days gives you ample time to get down and experience the best in animation. Details and Tickets: MIAF 2010

Purple Sneakers has been holding down the Indie Scene with their legendary parties in Sydney since, well, before indie was mainstream. Now, finally, it's Melbourne's turn to get a slice of the weekly action. The Sneakers team boasts an epic in-house DJ line up that just released their own Mix Tape. Further to this, they have some heavy connections that see them roping in massive touring acts to throw down on the dancefloor. Acts include Dappled Cities and Here We Go Magic from Brooklyn, with many more huge acts to follow up. The good folk at Purple Sneakers have hit us with a free double, all you need do is send us your best sneaker based link to subculture@dailymelbourne.com to get the tix. Ads, pics and stories are all accepted. Purple Sneakers at Miss Libertines, 34 Franklin St MapDetails: Purple SneakersFacebook

The much anticipated foray onto the big screen by Banksy is set to hit ACMI on Thursday for a short season until 18th June.The film exposes the antics and motivations behind many of the most prolific street artists in the world, with Banksy being the centrepiece.Banksy has claimed that he tried to move away from being the focal point of the documentary and turn the lens on the man who made it his mission to connect with and film street artists that were exploding on the scene. Frenchman Theirry Guetta obsessively films things, but his subject matter turns to strictly street art. Through his cousin 'Space Invader', he gains access to the growing legion of street artists and the results are presented in this fantastic documentary. Keep an eye out for some of the biggest names in the game including Shepherd Fairey of Obey and Andre Saraiva, nightclub owner and bad arse street artist.No matter what you say about Banksy selling out by releasing books and recently doing a cover for Time Out magazine, this movie shows the lengths and dedication the man went to and the profound effect he has had on street art and popular culture.Lord Mayor, Robert Doyle has welcomed Banksy with open arms (presumably to make up for the council workers that ruined his Hosier Lane piece earlier this year). There is some chat floating around town that a piece will be commissioned and Banksy will grace the city's walls once again.Exit through the Gift ShopShowing Exclusively at ACMIJune 3rd - June 18thDetails and Tickets: ACMI

Fixies have been gaining popularity for quite some time. The definitive entry of this subculture into the mainstream is surely heralded by the arrival of JELLY BEAN BIKES.For the small fee of $599 you can pick yourself up a fixed or freewheel rig in any one of the plethora of colour permutations that are available. A choice of 6 frame colours, 4 wheel colours and a choice on everything else, there is little chance you’ll be sporting the same combo as Mary Jane up the street from you.Easy to ride and maintain, these bikes are solid for the limited amount of cash you have to fork out and you’ll be a styler profiler next time you roll down to the café to meet the crew. The concept has been developed by a couple of local designers, who scoured the globe to find sturdy parts that come in a selection of colours. Being a local brand also means that you can get free pick up and they offer open house sessions to go down and try before you buy. Details: Jelly Bean Bikes

Julian Casablancas is a bad arse musician. So it's only logical that he has bad arse dudes playing with him in his solo project. Enter Alex Carapetis, Casablancas' drummer that's also been seen beatin' the skins on Phoenix and Nine Inch Nails tours.  Carapetis is gracing the decks at New Guernica on Friday night and hosting himself a damn good after party. This boys got a heavy crate full of pure gold tracks to drop on you, proving the real talent is behind the drum kit, everytime.  2 for 1 Drinks from 11 until 1am to get you in the door, is a crazy deal. Even crazier, we've got some free tickets, just hit us on subculture@dailymelbourne.com and tell us who you believe the greatest drummer in the world is.  This Friday, May 7, 10pm until the end of timeNew Guernica, 322 Little Collins St Details: Alex Carapetis DJ Set