Christmas Break Gigs in Newcastle

by Helen Henry on December 22, 2011

Live music in Newcastle isn’t slowing down during the Christmas break this year! You can catch an array of local & touring acts at some of Newcastle best live music venues in the coming week or so…

Bad Party Fridays & Bands at The Great Northern Hotel

This Friday night (23 December) at The Great Northern Hotel you can catch not just one but three of Newcastle’s most promising bands - The Nickson Wing, 1929indian & the Swiss Army Wives - along with Bad Party Fridays in the Tiki Bar. The Nickson Wing place no certain barrier around their style, dragging influence from 60s & 70s hard hitting riffs, soundscapes of the 80s & pop music of today. 1929indian are described as being as the epic end of indie rock. Three amazing local ladies, Zoe K, Alice Williams & Gleny Rae have joined forces & will perform tonight as the Swiss Army Wives. For those with a penchant for Tiki’s & DJs, you can head in to Bad Party Fridays. Entry is free & kick off is 9pm.

The Owls & More at The Lass

If you’re all organised for Christmas & itching to get out & about, check out The Lass this Christmas Eve (24 December) for a line up of local acts. Shanna Watson will start the night, followed by a set from The Rum Corps & then finally The Owls will take to the stage.

Juicy Fruit at The Brewery

For a dose of top 40, jazz & classic covers, head along to The Brewery from 2  - 5pm on Boxing Day (26 December) for Juicy Fruit. With sensuous sax, bubbly vocals & a pumping rhythm section, these guys are a great accompanied by a cold beverage & some sunshine.

Antics at The Cambridge

No holiday is going to stop Antics, The Cambo’s regular Wednesday student night, so you can check it out on 28 December. Energetic hardcore band Paradise Found will be performing live with special guests, there’ll be DJs and the usual free entry & $3.50 drinks.

Ash Grunwald at Lizottes Newcastle

Catch one of Australia’s finest live performers, multi award winning Ash Grunwald, at Lizottes Newcastle on 28 December. Grunwald has been credited with bringing blues and roots to a new generation. His game changing new album, HOT MAMA VIBES, was nominated for Best Blues & Roots album by both the Australian Record Industry Association and Australian Independent Record Label Association, and after a sold out national Australian tour, he capped off 2010 supporting Jack Johnson’s Australian tour. HOT MAMA VIBES, is neck-deep in the technological swamp of the 21st Century. It’s also the most primal concoction of elemental junkyard soul to stomp through your speakers this year. “Mixing electronica with the blues was always a dream of mine,” says Ash, now a 10-year veteran of live stages from Australia’s famed Byron Bay Bluesfest to the Montreaux Jazz Festival. More info & tickets.

Beccy Cole at Lizottes Newcastle

Beccy Cole will perform at Lizottes Newcastle on 29 December. She’s best known for an amazing live show and bringing a crowd to fever pitch. An accomplished comedienne, Beccy can have an audience roaring with laughter at her wicked brand of humour. Beccy is no stranger to the winners podium after taking out 7 Golden Guitars and 2 Entertainer of the Year awards. Add to this her 3 Gold records and many other songwriting accolades and one begins to see why this performer has remained at the forefront of Australian Country Music. A divorced, working single mother who has always had the ability to laugh in the face of adversity, even better, shes been able to write songs about it and share them with the world. Beccy’s energy and generosity is infectious, her honesty and lack of pretension, refreshing. More info & tickets.

Kirsty Larkin at The Northern Star Hotel

Described as Newcastle’s own pocket rocket, singer-songwriter Kirsty Larkin will be bringing her refreshingly honest & cheeky stage presence to The Northern Star Hotel on 30 December. Entertaining & heartfelt, Kirsty’s big voice is sure to knock your socks off. Kick off is 9pm, free entry.