This Week in Newcastle: Wine, Laughs & Rock

by Sophie Nixon on June 17, 2011

Looking for things to do in Newcastle this week? Here’s our guide to upcoming gigs & events.

Friday, 17 June

The Uniting Church Hall will be hosting ‘Murdered to Death’, a comedy by Peter Gordon produced by the Newcastle Gilbert and Sullivan Company tonight, Saturday and Sunday. If your after a laugh head along for this hilarious play set in a 1930’s country manor house with murder as the key theme. The tickets are $20, and more information can be found here.

A little reminder that the Winter Design Ball at King St Hotel, mentioned last week, is on tonight! More information here.

Lizottes Newcastle presents Brian’s Famous Chilli Crab & Jazz night tonight! The jazz part comes in the form of Holly Clayton Band, which features some of Newcastle’s finest jazz musicians - Nic Cecire (drums), Daryl Aberhart (keys), Adam Miller (8 string guitar) and, of course, Holly Clayton herself (vocals). Tickets are $18 for show only or $60 for the show + crab! More info.

Saturday, 18 June

For a beautiful lunch overlooking the Newcastle Harbour this weekend make your way down to Silo Restaurant and Lounge in Honeysuckle. Luke Watson, the winemaker from Peppertree Wines will be hosting the Peppertree Winemakers Long Lunch. The menu features delightful morsels such as duck tortellini and a lemon tart with 5 star wines to match each course! Luke will be giving his personal insight on wine making and food matching. The lunch starts at 12pm and runs til around 4pm, tickets are $90, and more information can be found here.

The Potbelleez will be bringing their brand of house to King Street Hotel tonight for their Destination Now Tour to promote the release of their brand new album ‘Destination Now’ & get people on the dancefloor! The set will start at 9pm and will continue late into the night. Entry is $10, more information here.

Also, don’t forget about the Change for a Change, Pre-Loved Clothes Fair at the Newcastle City Hall. More information here.

Those with a penchant for all things cheesy should get along to this weekend’s Hunter Valley Cheese Appreciation Class. They’re being held each Saturday & Sunday throughout June as part of the Hunter Valley Food & Wine Month. The class is held at the Hunter Valley Cheese Factory (447 McDonalds Road, Pokolbin) and starts at 3:30pm. Over an hour you’ll learn how to identify, select, purchase, store and of course TASTE Hunter Valley Cheese. You can match wine style to your selection and there’ll be plenty of time for questions. The class is $36 per person and you need to call 4998 7744 to book.

If high tea is more your style, head on over to Tower Lodge to enjoy their offering on Saturdays & Sundays in June. You’ll get to relax in front of an open fire in the picturesque Hunter Valley while enjoying a high tea matched with Tower Estate wines. Sounds like an excellent way to spend 3 - 5pm. It costs $45 per person and you can call 4998 7022 to book.

Sunday, 19 June

Don’t miss rock-with-a-metal-twist by Karnivool tonight at Newcastle Panthers. They’re visiting all the way from Perth as part of their only Australian tour this year. Doors will open at 8pm and tickets can be purchased here.

If you’re into a more chilled out scene The Middle East bring indie folk pop rock to Newcastle this weekend to promote their album ‘I Want That You Are Always Happy’. They’re playing at The Cambridge, tickets are $15 + BF and can be purchased here.

Tuesday, 21 June

The Newcastle Improvised Music Association (NIMA) will be serving up their weekly dose of jazz-related goodness at The Underground at The Grand Hotel tonight. This week’s lineup features Funkwit supported by the Terry McLeod Trio. Things kick off around 7:30pm and entry is $10. There’s a restaurant upstairs if you want to make a night of it.

Wednesday, 22 June

Everyone could do with a laugh in this dreary weather and Jimeoin is here to make sure you do just that! Here on his ‘Something Smells Funny Tour’ that has been described as a ‘comic masterpiece’, Jimeoin will be at Wests New Lambton and tickets are $35. More information can be found here.

Benjalu will be playing at Lizottes Newcastle for a fundraising effort to support the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. Benjalu are four mates that have rolled 60’s & 70’s rock, blues and roots,  acoustic, reggae and groove into one genre and have taken to the stage at festivals like Peats Ridge, and alongside the likes of Josh Pyke. This local talent was recognised as the Best Blues and Roots act and Best Young Talent at the 1233 ABC Newcastle Awards in 2010. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the boys perform for a great cause. Tickets and more information here.

Show off your music knowledge at Geeks & Beats trivia at The Great Northern Hotel. Entry is free, and there’s prizes waiting to be won. There’s also live music from 9pm.

Thursday, 23 June

CANCELLED due to difficulties with flights (darn volcanic ash cloud) Psychedelic rockers Wolf & Club will perform at at CBD Hotel tonight, supported by Dark Bells & Upskirts. Tickets are just $10 pre-sale from the venue or Big Tix (+ booking fee).

Friday, 24 June

Tonight Ganga Giri, world renowned rhythmic didgeridoo virtuoso & percussionist will be playing at the Wickham Park Hotel. The tour is to launch the new dub/dancehall/reggae/electro album ‘Good Voodoo’. Ganga Giri has played at festivals all over the world and his performances promise a ‘deep earth dance experience’. 9pm start.

Are you in a band? Does your venue host events? Are you a local business holding a special event or sale? Please let us know about your upcoming gigs, events & things to do in Newcastle!