This Week in Newcastle: Salsa, The Wonderdome and Plenty of Music
So far 2012 has given us plenty of fun and exciting things to do and see in Newcastle. And this week is no different! Here’s some of the highlights of this week’s local gigs and events.
Friday, 13 January
Feel like you need your Black Friday livened up? Head to Percussionale 2012 at Newcastle Town Hall for a night of salsa, samba, drummers, dancers, moves and grooves. The festival that lets you party with all nations kicks off 6pm tonight, and continues Saturday with workshops from all over the world, including a fun lesson in belly dancing. More info & tickets.
If salsa isn’t your style and head to The Cambridge Hotel is playing host to local acts Bats & Battleships and I Am The Agent tonight, as they release their new EPs simultaneously. Tickets are $10 + bf. More info & tickets.
Fresh from gigs at the 2011 Homebake, Peats Ridge Festival and Port Fairy Folk Festival, Passenger (UK) is bringing his soulful acoustic sounds to Lizotte’s Newcastle. Supported by Tim Hart and Stu Larsen (otherwise known as Boy & Bear), tickets are $24+bf. More info & tickets.
Saturday, 14 January
The Vengabus is coming, literally. 90′s Euro-pop sensation, The Vengaboys, are touring Australia and bringing their renowned party bus to Newcastle Panthers. Kicking off from 8pm and supported by The Herb, Hot Cop, Glass Towers and DJ Rugg, the show is over 18s and tickets are $35+bf.
Level One Newcastle Leagues Clubs is offering Novocastrians the chance to see Hungry Kids of Hungary tonight in a rare intimate environment. Promised to be something special with doors opening at 7.30pm, this is an over 18s gig also featuring Bleeding Knees Club, Nantes, Toucan and Millions. Pre-sale tickets are $25+bf.
Make the most of these Summer nights and bring the family down to King Edward Park for Cinema Under the Stars to watch the fun PG-rated movie, Rio. Entry is free so you don’t have to worry after splurging throughout the holiday season, and all ages are welcome for this family friendly event. Gates open at 6.30pm with fun activities, before the movie screens at around 8pm.
Sunday, 15 January
Circa 1988, Australian rock band 1927 sold more than 500 000 copies of their debut album, ish. This remains one of the highest selling debut albums by an Australian artist in chart history. Tonight they are rockin’ out at Newcastle’s Lizotte’s alongside Gabriel Lynch, one of Australia’s most promising up and coming artists. Click here for ticket options and more information.
Tuesday, 17 January
Something for the kids: All your favourite Disney classic come to life tonight when the Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival shows at Newcastle Entertainment Centre. Deemed as an experience guaranteed to deliver enough rockin’ memories for a lifetime, this is an all ages event sure to entertain. Running two shows a day (10am and 1pm) there’s plenty of chances to take the family on this fun-filled adventure with Mickey and the crew. More info & tickets.
Tonight marks the return the fourth season of the Newcastle Art Gallery Society’s popular Six Summer Flicks! The festival showcases the best films from Denmark, France, Israel, the US, UK and Finland, kicking off tonight with the Danish film ‘In a Better World’ (MA 15+). Festival passes are only available at Greater Union Cinemas King Street box office, although individual passes can be purchased here. More information, other movies and session times.
Wednesday, 18 January
There’s no better way to revel in Newcastle’s best local acts than Lizotte’s Live & Local tonight. With another bunch of talented artists on the line-up this week, get down to Newcastle’s Lizotte’s to vote for your favourite act! The shows kick off at 7.30pm and tickets are $15. Click here to make a booking.
Thursday, 19 January
Got a talent for playing jazz? Head down to The Great Northern Hotel tonight for Jazz Factory, featuring Newcastle’s best jazz musicians. Winners are awarded based on the loudest bout of applause, so be sure to bring your mates! This is a free event for over 18s, with acts kicking off from 7.30pm till late.
Friday, 20 January
After a big week of work, there’s no better way to unwind than some blues and roots. So really, there’s no better place to go tonight than The Great Northern Hotel to hear Pete Cornelius and Steve Smyth in the Tiki Bar. Pete Cornelius, known for his hit single Tumbleweed, supported by Triple J Unearthed’s Steve Smyth, will be playing tunes from 9pm till late. Entry is free.
Saturday, 21 January
Roll up ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, for The Wonderdome in Foreshore Park! This is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest geodesic dome (basically a huge playground climber). Tonight begins the week long festival run by Livesites, filled with circus shows that are sure to wonderstruck both the young and old. Ticket costs vary each show. More information & tickets.
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