This Week In Newcastle: Lots of Music, Art & Film

by Nick Turner on October 7, 2011

With lots of live music, the Darby Street Fair and plenty of other exciting things happening in Newcastle this week, it’s the perfect opportunity to get out and enjoy the sunshine…

Friday, 7 October

An art exhibition with a difference continues at ARThive tonight with This Is Not Bart: A Tribute to The Simpsons. With pieces on show from over 30 artists, the exhibition is sure to please anyone who is a fan of the hit TV show. Entry is free with the gallery open from 12 noon through till 5pm. For more details, visit the ARThive website.

Saturday, 8 October

The Hunter Valley’s Bimbadgen Estate tonight plays host to American rock royalty, Meat Loaf. Promoting his Guilty Pleasure tour, the American who sold more than 43 million copies of his Bat Out Of Hell album performs as part of the Day On The Green concert series. Tickets start at $114 and can be purchased from Ticketmaster.

Closer to home, The Dennis Boys Band perform tonight at the Lass O’Gowrie. The solid, earthy sounds of this country band with a twist will take to the stage at 8.30pm. Be warned, these guys aren’t your typical 3 chord, beers and tears kind of country musicians.

Also in Newcastle tonight, pop along to the Cambridge Hotel to catch one of Australia’s most acclaimed and revered bands, The Drones. Famous for their live shows, the band will also be joined by Adalita from Magic Dirt. The show kicks off at 8pm with tickets available from Moshtix.

Sunday, 9 October

The Darby Street Fair is back again for 2011 with Newcastle’s iconic street turned into a cavalcade of live music, theatre, amusements and of course food and drink. A brilliant way to celebrate Spring, the day begins at 9am and runs through until 4pm. Entry is free but bring your wallet as you will be sure to go home loaded with goodies.

If you’re still in the vineyards after Meat Loaf, stick around on Sunday and check out Sculpture in the Vineyards. An exhibition of large scale sculptures by international and local artists, the event is held throughout a number of vineyards in the Wollombi Valley area. For more details, take a look at their website.

Want to get some personal style tips? Check out the 1st in a series of 4 Personal Style Luncheons presented at the Grand Mercure Newcastle by stylist Vanessa Swilks. For $60 you’ll get lunch, dessert, a drink & a personal fashion session with Vanessa. Contact the hotel for more information or to book - (02) 4922 0750. If you can’t make it this weekend, you can book in for Sunday 15, 23 or 30 October.

If you’re in the mood for a laugh before you head back into the working week, you should definitely head along to City Hall tonight to see comedian Tom Gleeson. Don’t miss your chance to see one of Australia’s finest funny men on stage as he’s in town for one night only. Tickets are available for $40 and can be purchased from Ticketek.

Monday, 10 October

For a dose of art & culture, Watt Space Gallery has some great exhibitions on at the moment. For more details of what’s on, take a look at our article from earlier this week.

Tuesday, 11 October

It’s early in the week and you’re already tired of coming home from work and having to cook up another meal. Well, why not head out for a bite to eat instead! Charlestown offers a whole host of dining options and can please even the fussiest of eaters. Not sure exactly where to go though? Why not take a look at our guide to Eating Out in Charlestown.

Wednesday, 12 October

Tex Perkins & The Dark Horses launch their new self titled album tonight at Lizotte’s in Lambton. Perkins, who has been frontman for the The Cruel Sea and the hard edged pub  rockers The Beasts of Bourbon, is renowned for his showmanship and live performances. Dinner and show tickets are $84 and for more details, visit their website.

Layers, an exhibition showcasing painting by Newcastle’s Diploma of Fine Art students, will open tonight from 5:30pm at the Front Room Gallery at Newcastle Art School. More info.

Thursday, 13 October

Legendary Australian band Cold Chisel begin their Light The Nitro tour tonight at Newcastle Panthers. Fronted by Jimmy Barnes, the band have reformed to get back on the road and give their fans a dose of their most memorable hits. If you haven’t got a ticket, unfortunately the gig is already sold out so don’t go causing a Star Hotel type riot down King Street!

For something a bit more laid back, check out Bob Corbett, who will be performing at the Northern Star Hotel in Hamilton tonight.

Friday, 14 October

The Hand in Hand Art House presents the Italian Film Festival, beginning tonight at the Greater Union Cinemas on King Street. The Festival is about celebrating the traditions and embracing Italy’s way of life through Australian eyes. Six films will be screened at this years Festival and it runs from today till Sunday. For more details of the event, give the cinema a call on (02) 4926 2233.

If you just can’t get enough art this week, head along to Newcastle Art Space and check out Landmarks, an exhibition of drawings by Nicola Bolton. Opening night is tonight and runs from 6 - 8pm and the gallery is located at the Newcastle Community Centre on Parry St, Hamilton.

Saturday, 15 October

National Parks NSW will host a Family Fun Cycling Day in Newcastle today as part of a statewide campaign. Enjoy a day of family mountain biking fun at the Glenrock State Conservation Area. Bring your bikes and check out the new world-class mountain bike track. Enjoy a free BBQ, and there’ll also be free tours guided by Discovery Rangers, and plenty of activities for the kids. Kick off is 10am. More info.

The Lizottes Celebrity Chef Series kicks off tonight in Newcastle with 2010 Masterchef contestant Aaron Harvie & dessert specialist Matt Caldicott. The theme is contemporary Mexican & Southwestern, and the chefs will be cooking live on stage. In addition to what’s prepared on stage, there will be a selection of 3 entrees, mains & desserts to choose from. The three course meal & show is $103, or you can just head along for the show itself for $33. More info & to book.