This Week in Newcastle: Music, A Bootleg Ball & Travel Planning

by Jenna Smith on January 20, 2012

With so many events happening in Newcastle, it’s no wonder this year is already flying past! This week’s events continue to impress with everything from heavy metal to circus shows and travel expo’s. Jot these gigs & happenings in your calender, because you do not want to miss them!

Friday, 20 January

Want to start your weekend with a tasty tipple? Head to The Depot on Beaumont St, Hamilton, this afternoon from 4:30 - 6:30 to enjoy their Happy Hour drink specials: $5 beer, wine & champagne & $10 cocktails! You can make a night of it and hang around for tapas and live music from Matt Purcell.

With a voice that’s been compared to Sting & Ben Harper, Andrew Winton is playing at Lizotte’s Newcastle tonight! On a rare trip to the nullabor, Andrew is touring his new CD that was three years in the making (therefore it must be good!).  With diverse music styles ranging from blues & roots, folk, jazz, gospel, funk and country/bluegrass, it’s sure to be a good night at Lizotte’s with Andrew’s beautiful and lyrical acoustic sounds. Tickets are $22, and just in case you were wondering, yes he is novelist Tim Winton’s brother.

End your week on a good note with Pete Cornelius & Steve Smyth playing tonight at The Great Northern Hotel. Kicking off from 9pm, these two indie geniuses will be playing for Novocastrians for free until late! More information.

Saturday, 21 January

Calling Newcastle’s metal-heads, The Cambridge Hotel is hosting hardcore outfit Creations tonight from 8pm till 11pm! Stopping off in Newcastle on their ‘Depraved State of Mind tour, Creations will be supported by Ashes of December & Anything for Now. Click here to buy tickets.

Be wonderstruck by circus shows for all as the Wonderdome in Foreshore Park opens tonight! Featuring shows for both the young and old, tonight kicks the event off at 5pm with the all ages show ‘Inside the Head of Edward Tulip’ by Circus Avalon, followed by the over 18’s show by Phantasia, ‘Alchemical Cabaret’ at 8pm. Continuing everyday until 29 January, the Wonderdome gives you a chance to fulfill that lifelong dream of running away with the circus. Click here for more information & tickets.

Melbourne based singer/songwriter and guitarist, Jarrah Thompson is bringing his guitar/flute/didgerdoo battle to The Great Northern Hotel tonight. His music has been described as being able to transcend the listener to a different time and a different place, and with supporting act Iron Bar Hotel, this is not a night to be missed. Bands start from 8pm until late, and entry is free. More information.

Local favourites Chase The Sun are performing tonight at The Wickham Park Hotel (“The Wicko”). Get in early as it’s sure to be packed! This blues rock power trio is not to be missed!

Sunday, 22 January

Fancy yourself a bit of a travel addict? Been bitten lately by the travel bug? Then you better head down to Newcastle Panthers today as Travelworld presents the Holiday and Cruise Expo 2012 - Newcastle’s largest travel expo! Expect many great savings on travel as well as the opportunity to go in the draw to win a trip to Hollywood (yes please!). This one day exclusive showcase of the best travel sales starts at 10am until 3pm.

From humble beginnings busking in the streets of outback Australia, Israel Cannan is appearing at Newcastle Lizotte’s tonight. Having scored air-time on Triple J’s Unearthed and playing at some of the UK’s best venues and festivals, it would seem as though Israel’s busking days are firmly cemented in the past. Israel has won over hearts in the UK with his heartfelt melodies and powerful lyrics, and alongside supporting act Jacob Pearson, I’m sure he will do the same with this performance. Tickets are available for $24 each. Click here to make your booking.

Tuesday, 24 January

Performing for the very first time in Australia, Cavalera Conspiracy (USA) are set to cause mayhem around the nation, performing at all Big Day Out shows as well as stopping off at Newcastle on their east coast BDO sideshow tour! Bringing their hardcore & metal tunes to Newcastle Panthers from 8pm tonight, this is an 18+ event with pre-sale tickets available now for $72.45.

Another couple of hardcore acts grace Newcastle this week with Backtrack & Iron Mind playing tonight at Newcastle Community Arts Centre’s Black Box Theatre, from 8pm. With the pairing of these two hardcore bands, there is nothing soft about their January shows - just heavy metal played with serious dedication and passion. Tickets are available now from Oztix by calling 1300 762 545, visiting the Oztix website or at any Oztix outlet. This is an all ages event.

Wednesday, 25 January

To get in the Aussie spirit early, head down to the National Maritime Festival this Australia Day Eve and delve into Newcastle’s rich and diverse maritime history. Hosted over the 25th & 26th, tonight kicks off the festival with plenty of family-friendly events at the Maritime Centre Newcastle. Some of the activities for the night include a much anticipated fireworks display from 9pm, plus a variety of entertainers providing everything from blues to the classics. Visit the website for more information & be sure to include this festival on your Australia Day agenda.

For the perfect day to warm up to Australia Day public holiday, head to the Wickham Park Hotel for the Snowdroppers! Determined to bring back the blues to a new generation of listeners, these four ‘misfits’ have featured on Triple J’s Unearthed. This is an 18+ gig & tickets are available from the bar for just $15, but get in quick ’cause they are sure to sell out.

Another Wednesday night, meaning another Hump Day over, meaning it’s another Live & Local at Newcastle Lizotte’s! This week’s talented line-up includes Patrick James, Zoe Elliot & The Evergreen Trail, all for just $15. To make a booking call Lizotte’s on (02) 4956 2066.

If you’re in the Wickham area, head to The Lass for a dose of tunes from Rhys Zacher & rockers Little King. Free entry.

Can’t deal with the fake-Southern-Cross-tattooed, flag-wearing types associated with some Australia Day celebrations? Then the Flamin’ Drongo Australiana Party at Chino’s Bar could be just the thing! This wholesome celebration of national pride will feature DJ Leroy “A Dingo Stole My Baby” McQueen (of Gooch Palms) playing hits from the 50s through to the 90s (with some worthy additions from today), keeping it as tacky as possible. Go dressed as your favourite Aussie celebrity and get yourself an ice-cold beer. Don’t wear Australia Day paraphernalia or they won’t let you in. Kick off is 8pm.

Friday, 27 January

Since their debut in late 2009, Chicks Who Love Guns have rapidly emerged from the Sydney indie scene as a force to be reckoned with. Tonight they bring their reputable ferocious live show to The Great Northern Hotel! Head down after work for a 9pm start, entry is free -  so really there is no excuse to miss this great Australian talent. More information.

The Hot Society Bootleg Ball & Legitimate Speakeasy is taking over Newcastle Foreshore tonight! Flappers, gangsters, cabaret, cocktails, roulette & jazz from Half Nelson! Get your ticket ($35, available here) and party like it’s 1929! Presented by Livesites, The Geodesic Gentlemen, Phantasia and NIMA.