This Week in Newcastle: Books, Races, Art & Gigs
Looking for something to do in Newcastle this week? Check out our list of gigs & other events to keep you entertained!
Friday, 5 August
Provocative play The Footage, by award-winning American writer Joshua Scher, has been Australianised and will be at The Playhouse, Civic Theatre until Saturday night. “Every night at 2am a video is uploaded on YouTube of a girl named Lilah. She has been kidnapped. She is in a basement somewhere in Australia. She is being tortured by someone. Eight young adults get tangled up in each other lives, both online and in the real world. Is the footage real? Is it fake? Does it matter?” Tickets are $20 for under 30s and $30 for over 30s. The last performance is on Saturday 6th August at 8pm.
The Look See exhibition opens tonight at the Watt Space Gallery, bringing together a collection of work by some of Australia’s most inspiring artists & designers. Kicking off at 6:30pm, there will be a live art battle at 7pm and you’ll be able to check out works by WeBuyYourKids, Bec Winnel, Beci Orpin, Beastman, Numskull, The Hungry Workshop, Zookraft, Mike Watt and many more. More info.
Saturday, 6 August
Did you read our article about a day at the Newcastle Races? Keen? Then this Saturday’s cause could give you the perfect excuse! The Cystic Fibrosis Race Day raises funds and awareness of Cystic Fibrosis. Tickets are $8 for general admission, with options to either buy food and drinks once you’re in, or a BYO a picnic lunch. If the weather is great, then it could be the perfect day out with friends and family! More info.
The Friends of the University Book Fair will be held in the Great Hall at the Callaghan uni campus today. This fair only happens every 2 years, so don’t miss your chance to hunt for hidden treasures, vintage cds, records and books, and pick up some goodies in the rare book auction. The items for sale at the Book Fair are all donated, and all proceeds go towards various causes associated with the University of Newcastle. The fair runs until 13 August. More info.
Sunday, 7 August
ARTCART takes place at the Newcastle Region Art Gallery every Saturday and Sunday and exists to encourage children, and their parents, to engage with and learn about art. The classes are run by volunteers and each week participants create a piece which is reflective of a current collection or exhibition in the gallery. This is such a great idea, and a completely different (and FREE) way to spend a rainy Sunday with your family. More info.
Monday, 8 August
Whether you want to have a play or just check out the local talent, head down the Monday Music Club at The Northern Star Hotel in Hamilton (112 Beaumont St). All welcome!
Tuesday, 9 August
Tonight at The Underground at The Grand Hotel, NIMA brings out the jazz with Song Fwaa. The band features Martin Kay (Alto Sax), David Reaston (Guitar), Jamie Cameron (Drums). 7:30 - 11pm. $10 entry.
Wednesday, 10 August
Artworks of students will be on display at the Front Room Gallery of the Newcastle Art School until 19 August. Tonight is opening night of “It’s All In The Mix”, so head along to the gallery from 5:30 - 7:30pm to check it out. The exhibition will be opened by Marie Saggus (Aboriginal Faculty & Community Planner; Hunter TAFE), Lester Searle (Director Information Technology & Creative Industries Faculty; North Coast TAFE) & Steve Williams (Head Teacher Art & Design School; Great Lakes Campus). The gallery is at 582 Hunter St, Newcastle.
Thursday, 11 August
If you find yourself around the University of Newcastle’s Bar On The Hill today at midday, make sure to check out Holland. The melodic 4-piece will be playing a warm up set ahead of their gig at the CBD Hotel on Friday night. Formerly called Fatis Valour, the Brisbane band is led by singer Jarryd Klapper and lead guitarist Shane Graham. This gig is FREE and will provide you with a well deserved break from lectures and tuts! For more information call (02) 4985 4125.
After Holland, if you haven’t had enough rock for the day head to the CBD Hotel to catch Regurgitator perform their current Australian Annual Sail Tour! The gig starts at 8pm, and tickets are $25.50 (pre-sale). Tickets.
Friday, 12 August
The Panda Band new album Charisma Weapon has just been released and the band will come to Newcastle to perform at The Northern Star in Hamilton tonight. According to Tone Deaf, they’re “one of the best live acts of 2011″, so stick your head in to see what all the fuss is about!
Today at Miss Porter’s House, family life in the Porter home will be celebrated via the ‘Family Matters’ exhibition. Today will be the opening day for the exhibition, taking place at Newcastle’s only National Trust House. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for pensioners and children over five, and free to National Trust Members and children under five. For more information call (02) 4927 0202.
Have you got an event coming up in Newcastle? Let us know.
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