This Week In Newcastle: Live Music, Fashion & Some Funnys

by Nick Turner on October 21, 2011

There is lots happening in Newcastle this week so if you’re stuck not knowing what to do, take a look at our guide to a few things that might take your fancy…

Friday, 21 October

For a raucous, rollicking romp of punk rock, folk soul and a little Irish spirit, get along to Newcastle Panthers tonight to catch Dropkick Murphys. The band’s latest album ‘Going Out In Style’ signals the beginning of another chapter for the Massachusetts based band who have worked with artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Aerosmith and Chris Cheney from The Living End. The gig starts at 7pm with tickets available from Moshtix for $49.30 or they can also be purchased on the door for $60.

Experience all things German as the Bar On The Hill celebrates Oktoberfest. The bar will be turned into a German beer hall with steins, an oom-pah band, traditional food and a little bit of lederhosen all there to make the night as authentic as possible. The event runs from 12 noon through till 7pm and guess what? It is completely FREE! More info.

Coming to Newcastle for one night only, comedian Josh Thomas will take to the stage at the Civic Theatre from 7.30pm. Thomas, who appears on Network Ten’s Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation was named the 2010 GQ Comedian of the Year. Tickets for the show are priced at $40 and can be purchased through Ticketek.

Saturday, 22 October

Fat As Butter is back bigger and fatter than ever for 2011 and is on today at Camp Shortland.  Some of the big name acts that are set to play at Fat As Butter 2011 are Empire of the Sun, The Living End, The Jezabels, Flo Rida, Illy, Cloud Control and Sparkadia as well as a slew of local DJ’s and Triple J Unearthed winners, The Guppies. Check out the FAB website for more information and this video for last minute tips for the day.

If dirty guitars playing surfabilly, Delta blues and the like get your motor running, don’t miss this.

Sticking with the music scene, local Band Driver 8 are playing tonight at the Northern Star Hotel in Hamilton. For those perhaps looking for something a little more relaxed (and sedate) than Fat As Butter, this will probably be for you. Entry is free and the band kick things off at 9pm.

Sunday, 23 October

The Junction will be turned into a fashion hub today with the staging of Frocktober. The day is a showcase of local designers showing off the latest fashion looks in time for summer. Not only is it a day of fashion, there will also be plenty of food, live music as well as arts and craft. Entry is free. More info.

For some soothing sounds on a Sunday, you can catch local musician Mark Wells this afternoon at the Wickham Park Hotel. Wells’ style is emotionally raw, and his honest storytelling pulls no punches while never forgetting to have a good time in the process. You can catch Wells from 1.30pm.

Finally, from 6-9.30pm tonight head to the Lass O’Gowrie in Wickham for the Tassie Forest Fundraiser. Local bands Las Banditaz, Tommy 9 Fingers and Paul Spencer will be playing in aid of the beautiful Tassie Forests with all proceeds raised from the gig going to Tasmanian charities.

Monday, 24 October

With spring well and truly in the air and the weather beginning to warm up, sushi is an excellent option for lunch or dinner (and maybe even breakfast). Newcastle is home to an array of excellent sushi spots so why not check out our Insider Map and maybe even let us know which is your favourite.

Tuesday, 25 October

The Great Northern Hotel’s Play For A Pint, Sing For Your Supper open mic night is on again tonight and is a great way to spend your Tuesday evening. Those willing to get up and have a go will be rewarded with dinner and a drink but if you’re just wanting to check out some local talent, the $10 steaks and $8 jugs might be enticing enough. Entry is free with the music kicking off at 7pm. If you’re interested in playing, contact Thomas Lawson on 0434 031 668 to book a spot, or can just turn up on the night (but there might be a wait).

Melbourne Cup day is this time next week and have you planned what you’re doing yet? If not, take a look at our guide to Melbourne Cup day in Newcastle and pick yourself a winner.

Wednesday, 26 October

Part gallery, part vintage store, The Woods on King Street is a creative space put together by the team at Renew Newcastle. You can pop in to The Woods to catch the first ever Gnarchibald Prize, an exhibition that uses any medium to show off famous folk in portraiture form. Open from 10am-4pm, it is well worth checking out. Take at a look at the Renew Newcastle site for more details.

Thursday, 27 October

Gruen host Wil Anderson brings his award winning show Man vs Wil to Newcastle’s Civic Theatre tonight. With sellout shows all around the country under his belt, Anderson is set to bring Novocastrians an hour long set full of razor sharp wit. Tickets are available from Ticketek for $45 with the show beginning at 7.30pm. Get in quick!

If chilled jazz is on the menu tonight, why not head to East Maitland’s Old George & Dragon‘s new Jazz Supper Club. You can listen to smooth tunes provided by JJ King & sup on a 2 or 3 course meal (and cocktail of course). 2 courses are $60, 3 courses are $75. Call to book anything from an intimate table for 2 through to a group and get your friends together for a night of fine food & tunes.

Friday, 28 October

If you’re wanting to get into the Halloween spirit early, head along to Odditorium for a night of bands, drinks, dress ups & pumpkin carving. Delight your ears car of Luke Hoskins Inexperience, Casio Gloria & Video Nasty, and your eyes can keep busy checking out Sarah Louisa’s papercut dreamscapes. Kick off is 6pm, there’ll be BBQ goodies & wine, and you can also BYO. More info.