This Week in Newcastle: Handmade Goods, Loud Music & Laughs

by Sophie Nixon on July 22, 2011

The weather forecast for this weekend isn’t very promising, rain and thunderstorms Friday and Saturday with just a ray of sunshine peeking through the showers on Sunday. Although it’s tempting to snuggle up at home in your pj’s if you start to get cabin fever here are some great ideas for what to do in Newcastle!

Friday 22 July

If you need a drink to take the edge of a hard week at work why not head down to the Lass O’ Gowrie in Wickham. The main attraction would be the three bands performing tonight, featuring Electric Love Affair, Teal and James Thomson. If you’re in there a bit early you can also get a bite to eat off the menu of great pub favourites and some fancy dishes too. Check out the website here.

Also, don’t forget about Busby Marou tonight at the CBD hotel. Check out last week’s guide for more details.

Saturday 23 July

If there is a miracle and the sun comes out, what better way to celebrate than a mini roadtrip to Pokolbin, in the Hunter Valley. There are two great reasons to head up to the Hunter Valley, including the Handmade in the Hunter Markets. All the goods sold here are made in the Newcastle and Hunter Region and boast great quality. Aside from supporting our local talent you can pick up some little treasures like handmade candles, chutney and produce from local farmers. For more info check out their Facebook.

Another reason to head up to the Hunter Valley is to attend the Lambloch Cellar Door Grand Opening Day. The event features wine tasting, live jazz by the John Leigh Calder Trio, and a mini growers market. The perfect combination! The day kicks off at 10am and runs until 5pm. Lambloch offers both Shiraz and Semillon - so everyone will be satisfied. Check out the website for more info.

If you feel like staying in town and doing a bit of art gallery hopping and check out our complete guides to Newcastle CBD Art Galleries and Merewether, Cooks Hill and the Junction Art Galleries.

Don’t forget that Mojo Juju will be at The Great Northern Hotel tonight. Tickets are available here and doors open at 8:30pm.

Sunday 24 July

Dragging yourself out of bed on a Sunday morning can be hard, especially when its miserable outside. But don’t worry about missing brekky because there’s always brunch. Check out our Brunch Map of Newcastle.

Local musician Allon Silove will celebrate the launch of his album & his birthday at The Delany on Darby St this afternoon between 2 - 5pm. Zoe K will perform a support set before Allon takes to the stage. He’ll be joined by special guests Grant Walmsley, Huw ‘Baby Legs’ Jones & Benny G.

Tuesday 26 July

NIMA serves up its weekly dose of top notch jazz tonight with The Darren Heinrich Trio. The Underground at The Grand Hotel, $10 entry, 7:30pm kick off. The trio features the very talented Darren on Hammond organ, Steve Brian on guitar & Toby Hall on drums.

Wednesday 27 July

Test your music knowledge by participating in The Great Northern’s Geeks & Beats Trivia night. It kicks off at 7pm in The Lobby, is free entry and there’s prizes up for grabs. You can grab some dinner beforehand, & there will also be bands in the front bar afterwards.

Thursday 28 July

Tonight at Lizottes the Newcastle Comedy Showcase will be presenting three of Newcastle’s best comedians. Jason Starrett will be hosting the evening as well at Brendon Knott and Rhys Nicholson providing a hilarious performance. Starrett has won national comedy awards and Knott and Nicholson have both been regulars on the Melbourne Comedy Festival circuit. Other emerging Newcastle comedians will also show off their talent. Tickets are $20, the show goes for two hours. Check out the website for more info.

Friday 29 July

Pnau are on tour to promote their album Soft Universe. The electronic pop duo have been revived in the charts since the release of their 2008 album We are Back. If you are missing out on Splendour, get in on some of the action by seeing the PNAU the night before they are set to be on the Splendour stage. If their last show at Panthers a couple of years ago is anything to go by, this one will be a cracker. The doors open at 7:30 and the show kicks off at 8pm. Tickets are a steal at $35, to buy click here.

If you don’t like getting shushed in libraries, then head out to East Maitland tonight for Loud at the Library. Catch House of Hearts performing tonight alongside a selection of other acts. 5:30 - 10:30pm. More info.

Here’s another one for people who like loud things. This time it’s metal. It’s that time of the month, and Club Led is back on again. The monthly metal night takes place at the Newcastle District Tennis Club and this month features War Faction, Ouroboros, Revenant & Pagans Realm. Entry is $10. More info.

Saturday 30 July

Feel like brushing up on your writing skills? The Newcastle Writers group is holding a writing for the media workshop today to learn the art of feature writing, opinion writing and learn to perfect your pitch. The class run from 10am-4pm but there are only 15 places available, so you need to get in quick. Tickets are $85, find more info here.