What’s On In Newcastle? Bliss N Eso, The Dead Maggies & Newcastle Night Markets
Thursday 10th April
The Empire Strips Back @ The Civic Theatre
A Star Wars Burlesque Parody
A long time ago in a galaxy far far away….
Finally returning to Newcastle, The Empire Strips Back: A Star Wars Burlesque Parody lands at The Civic Theatre stage! After dozens of sold out shows in Sydney, and a handful of Theatre shows around the country, the all-new show returns!
Get ready to indulge yourself in a sci-fi fantasy of intergalactic proportions – George Lucas would never have dreamt that his characters could be used in such a manner, a manner guaranteed to get some hearts racing with The Force!
Doors: 8:00PM
Tickets: Ticketek
Friday 11th April
Newcastle City Night Markets
Head to hunter street mall for a great night with interesting food, beautiful eclectic products and free entertainment. A number of local businesses, restaurants and cafes will be open too. The night markets are on the 2nd and 4th Friday night of every month!
Time: 6:00-10:00PM
The Dead Maggies @ The Lass O’Gowrie
The Dead Maggies are a folkpunk/cowpunk/convictpunk band from Hobart.
They perform tragic tales of Tasmanian folklore, set to upbeat, toe tapping, fast dancing tunes.
In less than a year they’ve build a solid following in Tasmania. In this time they’ve supported; The Real Mckenzies, The Barons of Tang, The Crooked Fiddle Band and The Go Set to name just a few. They’ve had several songs played on Triple J, and scored feature album on both Edge Radio and ABC Local Radio Tasmania.
So now as the stonefruit softens and falls from the limbs to rot on the ground, its time for them to spread their wings and try for new cities.
This first trip out of Tasmania sees The Dead Maggies playing with bands that like them. Bands such as; The Crooked Fiddle Band, Handsome Young Strangers, Lime & Steel and The Australian Beefweek Show, at gigs around Sydney, Canberra, Newcastle and Port Macquarie throughout April.
Doors: 8:00PM
Tickets: Free Entry
The Gumball Festival @ Belford
Originally developed as a festival for discerning music peeps, The Gum Ball is now widely recognised throughout Australia for providing the best in simple pleasures, with a taste of country living in a laid back, hassle free environment.
A weekend in secluded bushland full of awesome live music & art, onsite camping, BYO, delicious food, market stalls, kiddies mega playground, heaps of games and prizes, some big warm fires and a classic vibe similar to your mates backyard party.
The gates will open for the next festival on Friday 11th April 2013 with the offering of superb hospitality and fun operating through to Sunday breakfast. With a laid back music program, certain free range adventure, various weekend/day/family ticket options available, The Gum Ball is simply a user-friendly festival not to be missed.
Those that attend The Gum Ball appreciate the ‘luxury’ of securing a posse and effortlessly enjoying the diversity of performances from one vantage point over two stages for a seamless musical experience.
Tickets: Ticketbooth
Cloud Control @ Queen’s Wharf Brewery
Corona Extra is stoked to present Cloud Control’s first ever acoustic tour!
Hot off the national Laneway Festival tour, Cloud Control will play at Queens Wharf Brewery, Friday 11th April 6:30pm. Show will be acoustic, free entry!
Doors: 6:30pm
Tickets: Free Entry
New Black Shades @ The Cambridge
New Black Shades are playing their first Headline show at their favorite home town venue, its going to be a huge night with friends The Urban Chiefs supporting them and local Newy boys “Dave” before that.
The release of their official logo on some merchandise and EP “Summer Days” will be available on the night, also new songs that will be on the 2014 album will be herd for the first time in front of live audience.So please come along and be part of a momentous night for “The Shades” its going to be a ripper.
Doors: 7:00PM
Tickets: $6 at door
Jeff Martin & Sarah McLeod @ Lizottes
A musical coupling of tremendous proportions, The Tea Party’s Jeff Martin, and Sarah McLeod announce the ‘Man The Life Boats’ tour, with a run of exclusive dates early 2014 (dates and venues below). The pair met in late 2012 and performed a one-off acoustic set that ignited the spark to record together when they both had time outside of their own projects. Fast-forward 12 months later, and the pair are currently in Martin’s Byron Bay studio and hinting at a possible album collaboration. Both artists are renowned for their powerful, potent live performances and this tour is destined to be something truly special, uniting their fans with a rare, unique experience. “There’s an exciting air of magic and healthy competition when we work together, trying to out do each other drives us to bizarre new heights. Only the devil knows where this will lead.” Says McLeod. Jeff and Sarah will perform separate sets as well as take the stage together through the show.
Tickets: Lizottes
Saturday 12th April
Bliss N Eso @ Nobby’s Beach Reserve
Local giants Bliss N Eso aren’t pulling any punches after a massive 2013 with the announcement of their biggest tour date and what is sure to be Australian hip-hop’s most monumental outing ever. Illusive and Frontier Touring will be taking the Sydney trio on a goliath ‘Circus Under The Stars’ 15-date outdoor tour throughout April and may in support of their ARIA #1 album ‘Circus in the Sky’.
Making this a tour to remember, they’ll be joined on all shows by two of the genre’s most prolific acts. They are Sydney powerhouse Horrowshow who have established themselves an enormous following through their thrilling, progressive brand of hip-hop and by the human ball of charisma Seth Sentry, who continues to win over hordes of fans with each passing month. This dream team are some of the country’s biggest acts each in their own right and together they create the largest Australian hip-hop line-up you’re ever likely to see on a headline tour, making this one hell of a party.
The ‘Circus Under the Stars’ tour will see Bliss N Eso shipping around several truckloads of state-of-the-art production and staging equipment over tens of thousands of kilometres, setting up an outdoor concert experience that has never been seen before in most of the 12 regional areas. In capital cities they will be leaving the arenas they regularly sell out in favour of the unique confines of outdoor locations like Flemington Racecourse (Melbourne), The Domain (Sydney), Wellington Square (Perth) and Riverstage (Brisbane ).
Bliss N Eso’s new album ‘ Circus in the Sky’, was the 8th best-selling Australian release of 2013 and has spawned a never-ending list of massive hits, including ‘House of Dreams’ (the soundtrack to the FL Finals), ‘Can’t Get Rid of This Feeling’ (feat. Daniel Merriweather), ‘Act Your Age’ (feat. Bluejuice) and their latest smash ‘My Life’ (feat. Ceekay Jones) which is currently skyrocketing up the ARIA Singles Chart. Following from June’s sold-out ‘House of Dreams’ tour and their current Big Day Out jaunt, the ‘Circus Under the Stars’ tour will present the first chance for fans to hear many of the album’s songs live for the first time alongside Bliss N Eso’s extensive back catalogue. In a special addition, they’ll be bringing out cult US singer-songwriter Ceekay Jones, who features on ‘My Life’, to join them on stage at every show.
This promises to be one of the most talked about tours in Australian hip-hop history. Don’t miss out on tickets.
Gates: 5:00PM
Tickets: Moshtix
Far Away Stables @ The Small Ballroom
Far Away Stables hit The Small Ballroom in April to launch their brand new EP “Atlantis” in Newcastle. Supported by an immense bill of quality local artists this is an event not to be missed!
Doors: 8:00PM
Tickets: Kingdom Sounds
Frankenbok @ The Cambridge Hotel
By Popular demand Victoria’s Frankenbok are returning to Newcastle bringing with them their buddies in New Zealands 8 Foot Sativa & SydneysTensions AriseThis night is set to be a massive night for Newcastle Metal fans!
Supporting these 3 massive bands are locals Grim Demise & Blackout To Oblivion.
Doors: 7:00PM
Tickets: $20 at door
Encore @ Playhouse
The celebrated concert series Encore comes to Newcastle - this time with the theme of Oscar and Tony award winning songs.
Presented by Chris Maxfield TNTC
Musical Direction and Accompaniment: Greg Paterson
Choreography: Isabelle Leonard
Encore! And the winner is …” features the vocal talents of Kate White, Caitlin Rose, Chloe Jeffery-Williams, Daniel Stoddart, Tony Fletcher and Chris Maxfield.
Join some of the finest vocal talents on stage in the intimate Civic Playhouse for Encore! “And the winner is…”.
Re-live the musical grandeur of the Oscars (Academy Awards) best songs from the movies and Broadway’s most celebrated recipients of the award for Best Musical!
Doors: 2:00PM & 8:00PM
Tickets: Ticketek
Roy Orbinson & Del Shannon @ The Civic Theatre
Come and relive the magic and the classic hits of two of the world’s greatest and most successful Rock n Roll Music Legends of all time. 2014 marks the magnificent milestone as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the 1964 single release of Roy Orbison’s iconic worldwide smash hit “Oh Pretty Woman”.
Internationally Renowned Artists Dean Bourne & Fallon will take you on a magical celebration of the iconic hits of Superstars Roy Orbison & Del Shannon as they perform hit after massive hit.
Dean Bourne has been described as having “The Spirit Of Roy Orbison” within him as he performs Roy Orbison’s iconic hits such as Pretty Woman, Crying, Dream Baby, Leah, Penny Arcade, Danny Boy, Only The Lonely, In Dreams, Candy Man, You Got It, Workin For The Man, Running Scared and many many more. Dean Bourne is the World’s greatest exponent of the great hits and music of Roy Orbison today.Audiences around the country are left speechless by Dean’s performances with comments such as - Brilliant, Amazing Voice, Astounding, Magnificent and more.
Fallon is a highly regarded quality performer with a huge voice with a successful career performing in all major venues inAustralia including International performances in the likes of Vienna’s Hofburg Palace, The Rome Hilton and our own Sydney Opera House, the dynamic Fallon continues to mesmerize audiences all over the country.
Come and hear the magical hits of Del Shannon such as -Hats off to Larry, Handyman, Swiss maid, Black is Black, Little Town Flirt, Keep Searching (follow the sun), I go to Pieces, Needles and Pins, Hey Little Girl, Stranger in Town, So Long Baby, Runaround Sue, Walk Away. Runaway, Do You Wanna Dance and much much more
Del Shannon was one of the handful of American Rock ‘n’ Rollers of the 1960s to survive the crashing tide of the British Invasion - Among the few were Elvis, Dion, Roy Orbison and Del Shannon - One of the best and most original rockers & pioneers of the early ’60s, Del Shannon was also one of the least typical - His 1961 smash hit Runaway continues to have immortal influence on popular music today.
Roy Orbison & Del Shannon had a very strong admiration & respect for each other which culminated in a UK Tour in 1964 giving their audiences what they wanted to hear - all their massive hits together on one unforgettable night of Rock & Roll
Roy Orbison on Del Shannon: “Del was the reason I decided to tour England. I read about Del’s rave reviews talking about his cover versions of my songs. I thought, ‘if Del can sing my songs and get a good reaction, then perhaps I can sing my songs and get a similar response.'”
A must see show for anyone who wants to relive the sound, the voice and all of the magical hits of Roy Orbison & Del Shannon in an exciting two hour concert experience that is much like the man himself - unforgettable!
Doors: 8:00PM
Tickets: Ticketek
Jon English @ Lizottes
Jon English plus a 5 piece band, including the multi-talented Amy Vee and Emma Beau, are coming to town in a new show that will feature all Jon’s hits, plus songs from some of the wonderful musicals that have highlighted his enduring stage career over the past four decades. From the early heady days of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ (Heaven on Their Minds, I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Superstar) to Jon’s self-penned rock opera, ‘Paris’ and his musical, ‘Buskers and Angels’ (For Better or Worse, Always the Busker, Potential Angels), and the classic hits from ‘Trilogy of Rock’ (House of the Rising Sun, Bobby McGee, Smoke on the Water, Piano Man, Song Bird), this new show will have it all! Accompanied by the soaring vocals of Amy Vee (‘Buskers and Angels’, ‘The Rock Show’, ‘Rock Show More’, ‘Trilogy of Rock’) who also plays acoustic, bass, and electric guitar, keyboards, and violin in the show, and the unique voice of up and coming Emma Beau (‘Rock Revolution’, ‘Trilogy of Rock’), also on guitar and violin, Jon has put together the perfect light and shade soundtrack for a feel good English evening out!
Tickets: Lizottes
Robot Child @ The Lass
Exciting Melbourne based Rock band that Paulie Stewart (Painters and Dockers) has described as ‘a mix between Pink Floyd and Queen’. Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool) disagrees, referring to them as ‘a bit Tenacious D’.
Features Jeff Wortman (vocals), Waleed Aly (guitar), Marty Holt (bass), Dan Slater (drums) and Dave Hartney (piano).
They recorded a song called ‘Space’ which featured on The Just Music Album released in March 2012. The album included Paul Kelly, Clare Bowditch, Dan Sultan, Jesse & Ella Hooper, Xavier Rudd and others.Their debut album One More War is due in 2014.
Doors: 8:30PM
Sunday 13th April
J Boog @ The Cambridge
J BOOG is a international reggae star, not since Matisyahu has an American created such a buzz in reggae music.
J Boog brings an authentic Jamaican reggae sound to his hip hop and Pacific Island roots. He represents a new generation of international reggae artists with their unique take on the genre - Gentleman (Germany) and Alborosie (Italy) toname a few. Having worked closely with some of reggae music’s biggest names like George “Fiji” Veikoso and Morgan Heritage, J Boog has recorded in such prestigious places as Bob Marley’s “Tuff Gong” Studio, Bobby Digital’s “Digital B” and Shaggy’s “Big Yard”. Currently J Boog is busy voicing some of the biggest Riddims from the top reggae producers from all over the world.
The results are apparent when listening to Boog’s album “Back Yard Boogie”. It is authentic Island Music and genuine Jamaican reggae at the same time. Truly a new and exciting combination.
J Boog smash hit “Let’s Do It Again” has been playing in high rotation playlist of some of the biggest commercial radio stations from North America to New Zealand.
His album, “Back Yard Boogie” was released September 2011, debuted at #1 on the iTunes & Billboard Reggae Charts and remained there for over a month. The album features guest performances by Morgan Heritage, Tarrus Riley, Fiji, and Spawnbreezie.
Doors: 7:00PM
Tickets: Oztix
Kris Kristofferson @ The Civic Theatre
Presented by McManus Entertainment
American country music legend, Kris Kristofferson will be coming to Australia for a tour in March and April 2014 on the back of the release of his album Feeling Mortal.
Kristofferson will tour across Australia in a tour bus performing shows across the country. Kristofferson says, “I am very much looking forward to heading down under to play to all of my Australian fans and taking in the beauty of the country as we tour far and wide. To be able to play songs from my new album to my Aussie fans is a great privilege, along with all of my classics of course!”
Fans can look forward to Kristofferson performing in an intimate mode with Kristofferson on guitar playing the hits we all know and love such as; Me and Bobby McGee, Help Me Make it Through the Night, Sunday Morning Coming Down and For the Good Times. The intimacy of the shows will allow audiences to not only be captivated by Kristofferson’s voice but also an opportunity to hear first hand the stories of his life both on and off the road.
It is the honest and frank nature of Kristofferson’s lyrics with a focus on layering, nuance, empathy and emotional truth that hit home with audiences worldwide. It is this ability to hit a common nerve that is the reason for Kristofferson’s enduring popularity.
“I always try to be as honest as I can in the songwriting, and what I’m finding to my pleasant surprise at this age, is that the words are more inclined to laughter than tears – I hope I’ll feel this creative and this grateful until they throw dirt over me!” says Kristofferson.
Feeling Mortal, Kristofferson’s 28th album, was recorded in just three days with producer Don Was by his side to bolster the tracks with stellar instrumental work from guitarist Mark Goldenberg, pedal steel master Greg Leisz, keyboardist Matt Rollins, violinist and vocalist Sara Watkins, bassist Sean Hurley and drummer Aaron Sterling. What emerged was a piece of work that is one of Kris’ finest albums to date.
Country Music Hall of Famer and 76-year-old Kristofferson is touted as one of the most successful and versatile talents to come out of America. He’s done it all; a boxer, a Rhodes scholar, a college football player, an established actor, a military officer, a helicopter pilot, a Grammy-winner and above all an acclaimed singer-songwriter who has enhanced the scope of country music throughout his career.
Doors: 8:00PM
Tickets: Ticketek
Monday 14th April
The Three Muskateers @ The Playhouse
Presented by The Grainery Theatre Co
What a better way to kick off the school holidays then with this hilarious production of the The Three Musketeers.
Come and Enjoy the journey as the three take on a host of quirky characters in their portrayal of the this beloved tale. This is fantastic production for the whole family and is fun and affordable event to add to your holiday calendar.
There are several performances over the 13th, 14th and 15th. For a full schedule visit Civic Theatre Newcastle
Tickets: Ticketek
Tuesday 15th April
Idea Bombing @ The Edwards
This is Newcastle’s very first Idea Bombing Event. A great night to talk, think and dream. Idea Bombing Newcastle is your creative meeting place. It’s about coming together to share ideas and hear about innovative projects, activities and news happening in and out of Newcastle.
Time: 6:00PM - 8:30PM
Tickets: This a free event, however grab a ticket from eventbrite to guarantee your spot!
Tim Rogers @ Lizottes
Tim Rogers, one of Australia’s most beloved musical Icons gets set to embark on a series of headline shows around the country this coming March and April in support of his latest release “Rogers Sings Rogerstein”. With Tim’s strong connection to the regional parts of this wide brown land, the forthcoming tour focuses on that bond, taking in regional and outer city areas across NSW, QLD and VIC. Accompanied by long time friend and musical companion - guitarist Shane O’Mara - the tour sees Tim performing for the first time in Bulli, and well as returning to Newcastle and Kincumber on the 9-date East Coast tour. Support on selected (*) dates will be Alt. Country songstress Melody Feder and multi instrumentalist Michael Muchow who will join forces in a truly special musical partnership not to be missed. As the frontman of You Am I, one of the essential Australian rock n roll bands, Tim Rogers has released 10 studio albums, three of which have debuted at number one in consecutive order-1995’s Hi Fi Way, 1996’s Hourly Daily and 1998’s #4 Record -with the records receiving ARIA Awards and multiple platinum and gold status for commercial sales. In addition to You Am I, Tim Rogers has released critically acclaimed solo albums, and a number of collaborations with fellow musicians including Tex Perkins, The Temperance Union and The Bamboos. In 2012 Tim released his fifth and most recent solo album (his second without a backing band) the critically acclaimed “Rogers Sings Rogerstein”.
Tickets: Lizottes
Junior Ranger Fun Day @ Blackbutt Reserve
The Newcastle Permanent Junior Ranger Fun Day is on again! There will be fun activities for the kids, environmental education and hands-on fun with Blackbutt critters! Kids get a free sausage sandwich (adults $1 each).
Time: 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Location: Top flat, Richley Reserve (entry off Freyberg Street)
Wednesday 16th April
For Today @ The Cambridge
For Today are a hardworking band who have always believed in the music they make and have done whatever they have had to ensure they can tour not only their own country, but the rest of the world. Like all bands it hasn’t been easy particularly in their case coming from a small city and also playing heavy music with a Christian message. It hasn’t stopped For Today though as they announce their return to Australia this April in support of their latest record Fight The Silence.
While Fight The Silence stands true to the bands Christian beliefs and is reflected lyrically, For Today also explore the subject of human trafficking which vocalist Mattie Montgomery became very passionate about after watching a video online on the subject. Not only do they attempt to raise awareness through their lyrics but they have also been donating proceeds from the sale of Fight The Silence to human trafficking organization the A21 Campaign.
All this aside, For Today have produced what is easily their heaviest and most emotional album to date that both fans and media approve of.
‘A solid album worth of attention’ – killyourstereo.com
‘A powerful and passionate album that is lyrically bold, musically aggressive, and goes one-step further than just wearing its message on its sleeve’ – indievisionmusic.com
“One of the most emotional albums ever released, “Fight The Silence” will make you rethink everything you know about the world” – new-transcendence.com
Joining For Today on this tour and hailing from the Gold Coast are Prepared Like A Bride. With every reason to be smiling PLAB just keep launching from strength to strength. February 2014 has seen the band release their first album Overcomer debut at #30 on the ARIA chart with the title track racking up almost 60k views in a month.
Doors: 7:00PM
Tickets: Oztix
Xzibit @ The Crown & Anchor Hotel
XZIBIT is coming back to Australia for the first time in a few years and with Newcastle being one of the highlight shows last time he is returning to do it all again! This time at The Crown & Anchor hotel!
With special guests: Demrick & Dj Invisible Local supports from: MITUS & Relevant. + Local Dj’s Ules & Mathmatics !!
Doors: 8:00PM
Tickets: Moshtix
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