What’s On In Newcastle? Birds of Tokyo, Triathlon & St Patrick’s Day

by Leah Henkel on March 14, 2013

Here is your jam-packed What’s On Guide for Newcastle this week! Birds of Tokyo hits the stage at Newcastle Panthers to play their wildly popular songs, the Sparke Helmore NBN Triathlon descends along Newcastle, St. Patrick’s Day sees a wide range of events happening right across town + stacks more on offer.

Friday 15th March

Birds of Tokyo @ Newcastle Panthers

After a sensational year for this Aussie band, Birds of Tokyo is hitting up Newcastle Panthers to play their popular tracks, including songs from their new four-track EP ‘This Fire’. After adding two new band members and relocating from Perth to record at a Sydney studio, the band then went to Los Angeles to record with new producer Dave Cooley, and new mixer Tony Hoffer. As they launch ‘March Fires’ from coast to coast, don’t miss your chance to see this band before they go global. 18+ event. Standing Room only. Doors open 8pm for an 8.30pm start. Tickets $41.00 + bf. Purchase tickets through Moshtix.

Sparke Helmore NBN Triathlon @ Newcastle Foreshore/Horseshoe Beach/Camp Shortland Park

Now in its 20th year, the Sparke Helmore NBN Triathlon has raised over $420,000 for the Hunter Medical Research Institute. With over 3000 novice and serious competitors participating in the main event, this 3 day festival from today until Sunday is a major Newcastle event. Today the NewFM Foreshore5 Twilight Fun Run will get competitors heart’s pumping, with the Eyeline TriJunior and Westfield Kotara Women’s Triathlon on Saturday morning and the main triathlon and event compound on Sunday.

CMC Rocks the Hunter @ Hope Estate Winery

If you are a fan of country music, there is probably a good chance you already know about this festival spanning the entire weekend. With performances from big acts like Rascal Flats, Big & Rich and Adam Brand, hold onto your cowboy hats for some good country music fun! Ticket prices range depending on general entry passes and camp site passes. Check out the CMC Rocks the Hunter website for ticket information and purchasing.

Drapht @ Bar on the Hill

Urban song man Drapht is back with a University tour which brings him to Newcastle Uni’s Bar on the Hill. After an ARIA number 1 album in 2011, ARIA & AIR awards for Best Urban Release, and three songs off the same album polling throughout triple j’s hottest 100, Drapht is showing his appreciation through his “Uni-Verse” tour. 18+ event. Doors open at 7.30pm. Adults $28.60, Students $23.50. Purchase tickets through OzTix.

Saturday 16th March

To Be Shore to Shore @ Royal Exchange Theatre

Get into the Irish spirit by watching this show by The Borderless. Containing loads of little-known facts, stories and anecdotes with songs thrown in-between. Some songs are written by award-winning songwriter Maureen, with Kath Auchterlone sharing music on the Irish Harp, master whistle player Bill Wiseman, and local Irish Acapella group Heart of Erin. Head on down to the Royal Exchange Theatre on Bolton Street for some fun on the eve of St. Patrick’s Day. Bookings can be made on 4929 4969 or buy tickets on the door for $16 or $14 concession. Show starts at 8pm.

Newcastle Printmakers Workshop Open Day @ Workshop, Adamstown

Ever wanted to see how printmaking works? Ever wanted to try it yourself? Come and see the Newcastle Printmakers Workshop Open Day for demonstrations, chats with local artists as well as the opportunity to buy some impressive original artworks. Workshop is located at 27 Popran Road, Adamstown. Light refreshments available.

Wayne Phillip Art Sale and Exhibition @ Belmont 16 Footers

Award-winning realist artist Wayne Phillip will be at the Belmont 16 Footers today and tomorrow showcasing and selling his latest collection from 10am til 8pm. Specialising in acrylic, oil, watercolours, and gouache, his vibrant local boating and marine life scenes will have you craving for one of his masterpieces in your home.

The Coldplay Show @ Cardiff Panthers

Don’t miss out on your chance to see four pro musicians pay tribute to Coldplay, one of the most successful bands of all time. Consisting of some of Sydney’s best tribute musicians with over 40 years experience combined in the music industry, their full replica costuming and instruments will make audiences feel like they have just experienced the real thing. Doors open 7.30pm for an 8pm start in the Macquarie Auditorium. Visitors - $10.00, Members (limit of 4 tickets per member) - $5.00.

Sunday 17th March

St. Patrick’s Day @ Northern Star Hotel

This 17th edition of St. Patrick’s Day at Northern Star Hotel is sure to be a cracker! The bar will be opening at 10am, with the traditional ‘first Guinness pour’ to kickstart the celebrations. Hugh Gordon’s Irish Band will be entertaining the early starters, with Pat the Loony Leprechaun sharing some laughs with his magic and circus tricks and lewd Irish jokes. Lunch will serve up the traditional Hearty Guinness Lamb Stew and Bread & Butter Pudding with Bailey’s Custard & Whiskeyed Raisins. While eating, you will be entertained by Paddy’s Craic and Ben Carter. Lunch and dinner aren’t the only ones catered for, with entertainment starting in the front bar from 11am until 10pm, beer garden 12 noon - 8pm with performances by Greg Bryce and The Fecks. Lunch is 12-2pm and Dinner 6-8pm. Bookings are recommended by calling 4961 1087.

*If you want to hear about some other great St Patrick’s Day celebrations, check out our 2013 map guide.

Gerry & The Peacemakers @ Wests New Lambton

The Starlight Room is such a fitting venue for Gerry & The Peacemakers who are embarking on their 50th anniversary tour. Dance along to hits such as ‘How Do You Do It’, ‘I Like It’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Doors open 7.15pm for an 8pm start. Members: $55.00, Non-Members: $60.00. Children 10 years and over may attend accompanied by an adult.

Live Music @ Nobbys Lighthouse

Chai Buds and Garden Grub are hosting another music filled day at Nobbys Lighthouse, with Port Macquarie musician Chris Tejcek playing from 1pm-5pm. Come down and experience spectacular views, music and especially the food, which features gluten, dairy and sugar free cakes, as well as organic meals, tea, coffee and smoothies. OPENING TIMES: 12pm-6pm due to the Sparke Helmore NBN Triathlon using the walkway in the morning.

Monday 18th March

Newcastle NOW City Forum @ Noahs on the Beach

Want to know what is happening in Newcastle? Come along to this city forum to explore public policy and community/business outcomes to positively influence ongoing debate. Discuss the City’s Urban Renewal Strategy and listen to the thoughts of guest speaker Jan Gehl, A professor of Urban Design and the inspiration behind public design in New York, Copenhagen, and Melbourne, Jan has received a DOT’s Commissioner’s Award for exceptional contribution to New York City Streetscape and the Public Realm. Walking & Cycling Transport Options in Newcastle and Placemaking by Melbourne-based Gilbert Rochecouste will also be presented. Don’t miss out on hearing these world-class speakers present and discuss Newcastle. Event time: 5.30pm - 8.30pm. Tickets $45.00 (includes canapes). Register at Newcastle NOW.

Tuesday 19th March

Go Jane Go! @ Lizotte’s Restaurant

Nashville-based legend Kieran Kane, and three-time Juno award winner, David Francey (Canada), have teamed up with Kieran’s son Lucas to form the band ‘Go Jane Go!’. Celebrating the release of their first album, this talented trio have decades of experience and know how to put on a good show. Get ready for an experience that any fan of Kieran Kane will love.

Main meal and show - $81.00

Show only with bar menu available - $39.00

Tickets can be purchased through Lizotte’s.

Wednesday 20th March

Flash Jam @ Wickham Park Hotel

Flash Jam are regulars of The Wicko and never disappoint crowds with their catchy tunes. Playing from 7pm, you do not want to miss these guys doing their thing.

Thursday 21st March

“NMA” Ultimate Jam @ Newcastle Panthers

Presented by Newcastle Music Academy, this Ultimate Jam welcome’s their students and musicians to get the chance to perform live on stage. No matter your age or skill level, you can jam along with the house band or play solo, showcasing your original music in front of a family friendly crowd. Event 6.30 - 9.30 in the Front Bar. For enquiries, contact Gianni on 4929 3060, 0434 827 058 or visit the Newcastle Music Academy website.

The McMenamins + Amy Vee @ Lizotte’s Restaurant

Folk/Alternative Country duo The McMenamins are returning to Newcastle to launch their 4th studio album alongside acclaimed singer songwriter Amy Vee. Touring the US twice since their last album in 2010, their vocal harmonies and mandolin and violin instrumentals have won them many awards, and guarantees that this will be a show not to miss. Hailing from Far North Queensland, they are taking their sound to international stages and major festivals, highlighting how successful Australian musicians have become.

Show only with a-la-carte menu available - $18.00

Show only with bar menu available - $18.00

Purchase tickets through Lizotte’s.