What’s On In Newcastle? Boys of Summer, A Kids Disco And The Phat Controller
Mar Haze @ The Small Ballroom
Thursday 9th January
Boys of Summer @ The Cambridge Hotel
Featuring: Blessthefall, Like Moths To Flames, The Color Morale & Guests
One of metalcore’s leading forces, Blessthefall will be headlining an epic, 11 date tour of Australia in January. Supported by Like Moths To Flames and The Color Morale
Blessthefall are known not only for their staggeringly powerful live performances but also for their incredibly busy work ethic. Through ten years and four albums the band have risen to the top of an endless stream of core bands. Shutting down venues due to rabid fans crashing already sold out shows and often drawing bigger crowds than the bands they were opening for.
Like Moths To Flames have set the scene ablaze recently thanks to a decidedly unique take on an otherwise well established genre. Stomping sing-a-long anthems, pulverizing metal chaos and crystal clear, soaring pop/dance melodies combine to deliver an intense, precise and passionate musical landscape that has put the band on the path to the major leagues.
The Color Morale bring some post hardcore to the line up and their message of positivity during times of struggle.
Expect no let up, no reprieve and no compromise from the bands as they descend to create chaos across the land. And they expect the exact same from their fans!
Doors: 6:30pm
Tickets: Big Tix
Half Moon Run @ The Small Ballroom
Canada’s Half Moon Run are returning to Australia, twelve months after appearances at Woodford and Peats Ridge last Summer gained them an instant and solid following. Turning into a successful national tour as news of their stunning show ignited social media, the spreading reputation ultimately led to the play listing of their debut single “Full Circle” on triple j.
Fast forward nine months and the rest of the world has caught up, with the new single “Call Me In the Afternoon” setting the globe alight after a killer SxSW which saw the band signing to Glassnote Records and a string of worldwide tours with Mumford & Sons and Of Monsters and Men. Their album “Dark Eyes” got its international release in July via Glassnote and Universal and is available in Australia via indie label Indica.
Playlisted across BBC1, BBC6 and XFM in the UK and premiering on NME.com, “Call Me in the Afternoon” has also ignited the airwaves across the Atlantic, charting in the top 50 of US college bible CMJ and scoring its public premiere in the states via none other than RollingStone.com.
Tickets: oztix
James Osborne @ Lizottes
Ever since a very young age, James has been destined for music and performing. Being able to sing ever since he could speak, and first picking up a guitar at the age of 7, his passion was recognised early on. Now at the age of 16, James has developed into a young, talented and enthusiastic singer/songwriter, with big plans for the future. James has been playing at pubs, clubs, restaurants, private functions and festivals throughout the Hunter Valley since the age of 13, covering a wide range of musical tastes. He has been writing music ever since he was 11 and he continues to perform his original songs, with an EP in the works. James has also performed as a soloist in Star Struck at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre, and recently won The Youth Rockin The Black Dog (Battle of The Bands) competition, that landed him a spot on the bill at FAT AS BUTTER 2013. “I have watched my favourite artists growing up for years, people like Jason Mraz, Coldplay and Matt Corby, and all I see is myself one day standing beside them”, he says. Let James’s soulful acoustic tunes become a part of your life, let his rhythmic progressions and his flowing melodies rush into your veins. For all James wants is to delight audiences, and ENTERTAIN.
Friday 10th January
Mar Haze @ The Lass O’gowrie
MAR HAZE is Dean Mitchell [lead vocals, guitar, trumpet, harmonica], Kane Charles [keys, vocals], Chris Kelly [bass guitar, vocals] and Jarin Penniall [drums], a quartet with a mad love for music and performing, whose regeneration over the past 18 months has meant they’ve been fervently writing their debut LP and hitting the road to play shows every chance they get.
‘Dancing In The Water’ – as a sneak peek into their fun-loving tour antics – has been a constant live performance favourite for the band and their punters and was the natural selection as a precursor to the next phase of Mar Haze. A happy accident by Kane, that pricked the eager ears of the rest of his band mates, was the first building block of the infectious tune, which came together rapidly once Dean and Chris locked down their syncopated rhythm, Jarin flicked in his drums parts, and they rolled out the trumpet flamenco flourishes. Electronic elements were overlaid in the studio and the slap in the face groove became the song’s signature.
Keeping it coastal, Mar Haze continues to build their profile by creating an enterprise, centering around their two passions – music and surfing. It’s hardly surprising that the ‘Dancing In The Water’ single tour hugs the beach all the way through summer: planning your own “best night ever” isn’t too difficult after all.
The Beatnix @ Lizottes
It was February 1980, 10 months before the untimely death of John Lennon, that Australia and possibly the worlds, first tribute show THE BEATNIX was conceived and produced by Tony Dean - founding member and now owner/manager. Coming from a Show Band background, popular in the 1970s and touring Australia wide, Tony was used to playing covers including Beatles, Doobie Brothers, Beach Boys, Hollies, Bee Gees, & Eagles, all great harmony groups, plus songs directly from the top twenty hit parade but then Punk came along and it was out of the question to play that style of music. It was suggested we play more Beatles music, everybody loves The Beatles. From that simple suggestion Tony thought lets play only Beatles songs, hence the first tribute show was conceived. Originally put together for a four week season in Perth, Western Australia, the shows proved so popular that after 18 months it was decided to make the move to Sydney where the show is now based and is available to travel worldwide. The Beatnix Show includes fully authentic musical instruments identical to those used by The Beatles.
Saturday 11th January
The Phat Controller @ The Small Ballroom
Australia’s premier hip hop erotica band The Phat Controller will be bringing their signature brand of sex filled antics, to The Small Ballroom in Newcastle for the launch of their new Ep ‘Phat Outta Hell’ on January 11th.
Supported by Werrman, Miikool Manners and TBA on the bill there will no shortage of bangas on hand.
Tickets: oztix
Newcastle Variety Charity Race Day @ Newcastle Jockey Club
Fashionable frivolity and fantastic fundraising all for kids in need. Variety the Children’s Charity is getting set to host its fifth annual Newcastle Variety Charity Race Day fundraiser commencing at 12.30pm on Saturday the 11th of January 2014, at the Newcastle Jockey Club.
Together with a delicious three-course meal, the event provides a day of fun filled, frivolous entertainment set against the lively backdrop of a punter’s heaven all for just $125 a head, with all the money raised on the day going toward helping sick and disadvantaged children across the Hunter via Variety the Children’s Charity.
In 2013, the event attracted more than 170 guests who collectively raised an impressive $10,000 for the kids. This year will see famed local television and radio personality, Gary Harley compare the day with a special Punter’s Club providing tips for guests for both novice and regular punters. There will also be Best Dressed prizes awarded to each a male and female to ensure that all are dressed for success. An array of raffle and auction opportunities will also be available to guests who prefer keeping their odds off the racetrack. The fun filled, relaxed atmosphere makes the day a perfect get-together for friends, families or colleagues to attend together. Local sponsors that will help make the day possible include Lake Macquarie Private Hospital, Warners Bay Private Hospital and Bonnells Bay Hotel.
There are still tables available but time is running out to book for the Newcastle Variety Charity Race day. Variety are taking bookings until 4pm Friday 20th December or after they re-open on Monday 6th January by calling Kim Priestly on 0404 963 855 or emailing kim.priestly@varietynsw.org.au.
For further information on Variety! the Children’s Charity visit www.varietynsw.org.au
Jo Robinson @ Lizottes
Aussie guitar virtuoso Joe Robinson has spent the majority of 2013 touring North America. Headlining clubs all over the North East as well as stints in Texas and the West Coast, Joe also played festivals including the main stage at Canada ‘s Ottawa Bluesfest (alongside The Black Keys and Dixie Chicks), Nashville’s Live On The Green with Robert Randolph, and Fender’s celebration event leading up to the Eric Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival at Madison Square Garden. He also headlined shows in China and Japan in the middle of this year. Twenty-two year old Robinson will be returning home for a series of Australian dates, collaborating with his friends and family. The show will catch him totally in his element. Prior to the shows, his new album is set to be released in Australia, which will reveal his deepest creative work to date.
Sunday 12th January
A Celebration - The Music Of Paul Kelly
To create a mental picture of some of Paul Kelly’s characters and settings, we already have a head start. We know them from Australian history (Bradman, Jundamurra, Lingari and Whitlam) in familiar places (St Kilda, Kings Cross, Maralinga and the MCG). Other characters are equally lifelike (Billy Baxter, the returning husband in the silver-top taxi, the four mates on the fishing trip) in familiar places (the frozen lake, the Darlinghurst Street and under the smoky bridge). They are all uniquely Australian (even that silly Aussie backpacker in Europe he sings about) just like the great works of Henry Lawson and Albert Namatjira. The trademark of a great artist is one who creates pictures that are scorched into our memory and come back to us clearly whenever we hear “those songs”. Paul Kelly has written “those songs” over 350 times in his lengthy career. Over thirty five years, Paul Kelly has released 18 albums, 5 film scores, co-written with Nick Cave, Kev Carmody and Yothu Yindi, and written for Jenny Morris and Renee Geyer. He has never stood still musically, performing and recording with bands like The Dots, The Messengers, The Coloured Girls, Professor Ratbaggy, the Stormwater Boys and his acoustic A-Z shows with his nephew Dan Kelly. He has recently released his memoirs in a book, (“Paul Kelly - How to make Gravy”) and also a full length feature film of his life (“Stories of Me”).
All this is packed into two x 1 hour powerful musical sets supported by lighting and visuals. No time for navel gazing and introspection here, but a real ‘show’ to send audiences home singing.
Tuesday 14th January
Afenginn @ Lizottes
Inquisitive, playful and imaginative, this acclaimed Danish 5-piece takes an anarchic approach to traditional music. Meaning “intoxication and strength”, Afenginn shows are fuelled by great joy, always seeking to cross borders and push the limits of their virtuosity. Formed in Copenhagen in 2002, Afenginn has built up a world wide reputation for their extraordinary live shows. Their distinctive sound ranges across lyrical and picturesque compositions to up-tempo rhythms aimed straight at dancing feet. “LUX” is their fifth full length album, following their award winning “Bastard Etno” (2010). UK folk magazine “fRoots” gave the album six stars, describing the band as “shockingly good, with imaginations and technique that won’t quit. If there’s justice, they’ll be huge.” Winners of the Danish Muisc Awards fro “Best World Album of the Year” and “Contemporary Folk Artist”, this is Afenginn’s first appearance in Australia, performing at Illawarra Folk Festival and headling Cygnet Folk Festival.
Wednesday 15th January
Kids Disco with Ruby the Clown @ Newcastle Panthers
Includes kids meal: Nuggets & chips plus drink
Ages 5-12 years
Kids get ready to hit the dance floor! The Kids Disco is returning to Newcastle Panthers with Ruby the Clown on Wednesday 15 January from 11am – 2pm. Boogie away and enjoy some fun games as well. Children love to dance and this disco provides a safe & fully supervised environment for 5-12 year olds. It is $10 per child & bookings are essential. Includes kids meal nuggets, chips & drink.
Ruby the Clown has combined her 20 years of clowning experience into her family-friendly Disco’s!
This is an ideal, cost-effective & fun activity for children including large groups such as birthday parties & OOSH/Vacation Care!
Time: 11am-2pm
Cost: $10 per child
Bookings: phone 4926 6200
Rock, Paper, Scissors Opening @ Four Points Gallery
Exhibition from 4 local artists.
Opening wed 15th January 6.30pm - 8.30pm.
Official opening 7pm by John Morris.
More info: http://www.4pointgallery.com
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