More than 2,500 artists and 300-plus live music venues across NSW are being primed for the Australian-first music event, Great Southern Nights, with tickets for over 900 gigs now on sale, including many venues across the Hunter region.
The NSW Government initiative has been created to kick-start the recovery of the live music, hospitality and tourism industries in a COVID-safe environment.
Newcastle City Lord Mayor, Nuatali Nelmes,has said the initiative is a great way to welcome back live music and reinvigorate industries that have been suffering during COVID-19.
“City of Newcastle is proud to work with the NSW Government, Destination NSW and the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) to host live music events at three of our iconic local venues under the banner of Great Southern Nights,” Nuatali said.
“Great Southern Nights is a fantastic initiative that will deliver much-needed funds towardsthose devastated by the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, while also creating opportunities forlocal performers to get back on stage in front of live audiences.
“We look forward to playing our part in this state-wide campaign, which will help stimulate the music and entertainment industry and have positive flow-on effects for the visitor economy by providing another incentive for people to travel to and stay in Newcastle during November.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said Great Southern Nights would provide music lovers from across the country many reasons to get out in NSW this November.
“NSW will come alive with great Australian music in November with gigs taking place inmany of the state’s greatest music venues, pubs, bars, bowling clubs and wineries,” he said.
“The NSW Government is proud to be getting artists, roadies, venues, hospitality staff and tourism businesses back to work through this ambitious initiative and now it’s over to the public to show their support by booking tickets to a gig or two, or more.”
Joining the feature artist line-up are Lime Cordiale, Jessica Mauboy, Vera Blue, Hoodoo Gurus and Ruel, keeping company among Australian music champions KaseyChambers and Troy Cassar-Daley, The Angels, Thirsty Merc and Kate Ceberano.
Great Southern Nights will comprise 1000 individual COVID-safe gigs across NSW during Australian Music Month – November.
As a key venue on the music touring circuit, Civic Theatre will host an eclectic series of gig sacross the Theatre, Playhouse and City Hall from 7–24 November:
- Saturday 7 November, The Playhouse – Jesse Madigan (album launch), supported by Casual Fan
- Friday 13 November, Civic Theatre – Emma Pask
- Saturday 14 November, Civic Theatre – Newcastle Music Collective artists Slapjack, Mango Avenue and Camino Gold
- Saturday 14 November, City Hall–Middle Kids
- Friday 20 November, City Hall – William Crighton
- Saturday 21 November –City Hall Sounds with Y Project and Bad Vibrations. Performances by e4444e, Hamilton Alpine Club and Butter Knife
- Tuesday 24 November, Civic Theatre – Tones and I
Great Southern Nights is delivered by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).
ARIA CEO, Dan Rosen, said the Great Southern Nights program was coming at a critical time for the industry.
“This is an extremely important moment for the Australian music industry,” Dan said.
“Great Southern Nights is an innovative and effective way ofgetting artists back on stages safely and ensuring money starts flowing back through the live-music ecosystem-to artists, venues, agents, tour managers and sound and lighting-crews.
“We can’t wait to see the shows getting underway from 5 November,” he concluded.
IMAGE | Great Southern Nights Media Launch at Oxford Art Factory – Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism & Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres. Photo credit: Destination NSW
