What’s On In Newcastle? Nostalgia Festival, Art Bazaar & Pete Murray

by Leah Henkel on March 21, 2013

Here is your jam-packed What’s On Guide for Newcastle this week. The 2013 Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival is in full swing over the weekend, Art Bazaar Cruise Market welcomes locals and visitors, Pete Murray makes us swoon with his acoustic tunes + stacks more on offer.

Friday 22nd March

Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival @ Kurri Kurri

Want to relive the the 50’s and 60’s or wish to experience them for the first time? Head on down to this extremely popular Festival for a bit of nostalgia from today until Sunday 24th March. With car shows, talent quests, market stalls and Vegas Vow Renewals at your fingertips, you do not want to miss the biggest swingin’ party to hit Kurri! Check out more information on the Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival here.

Harmony Ball @ Croatian Wickham Sports Club

The Harmony Ball is a Gala Multicultural dinner to fundraise for the Penola House Welcome Fund for Refugee Housing. Night includes a 2-course Mozambique Dinner, music by Oz Amigos World Music and Berias Masseque Afro-Fusion Band, Middle-Eastern and Latin Dancers, Speakers and Circus Performers. There will also be prizes for Best National Costume. Event time - 6pm - 11.45pm. Tickets - $55 Adult, $35 5-15 years, Under 5 free. Book tickets through TryBooking. For more information, call Debra Rodrigues on 02 4961 4886 or email at debra_jane@bigpond.com.

Saturday 23rd March

Pete Murray @ Cambridge Hotel

Pete Murray is stopping by The Cambo on his national tour for a stripped back up-close show with some muso mates. Known to give sensational performances of his songs when they are stripped back, this performance is one that fans will absolutely love. 18+ Event. Doors open 8pm. Tickets are $38.60. Purchase your tickets through BigTix.

Pigeon + Holly Who + Fox Control + Harts @ Great Northern Hotel

Known to deliver quirky, up-beat electro pop, Pigeon has launched their self-produced EP ‘Fortunes’ and will be playing some of their songs that have made them regulars on the festival circuit. Newcastle groups Holly Who and Fox Control will perform their unique tunes with Harts bringing up the rear. 18+ Event. Doors open 8.30pm. Pre-purchase tickets $13.30 through OZTix with door cost TBC.

Earth Hour @ Your House!

After a more quiet night in? Why not switch off for Earth Hour tonight from 8.30pm until 9.30pm? Started in Australia, it has become the largest global environmental movement. This year is a bit different, with people encouraged to pledge to switch on to renewable energy. Taking the pledge puts you in the draw to win a FREE solar power system. Pretty sweet prize. Check out the website here for more information.

Sunday 24th March

Art Bazaar Cruise Market @ Newcastle Museum

Organised by the Hunter Arts Network (HAN), this cruise market coincides with the Rhapsody of the Seas Cruise Ship docking at Newcastle. Locals and visitors are welcome to browse, with some of the regions most talented artists showcasing their work. With original handcrafted goods  from artists, designers, jewellers and craft people from across the Hunter, support our local talent and bag a bargain! Market is being held outside Newcastle Museum, Workshop Way, Newcastle, under the awnings, 9am - 3pm. For more information, visit the Art Bazaar website.

The Government Inspector @ Civic Playhouse

Presented by The Regional Institute of Performing Arts, don’t miss these guys during their last performance of The Government Inspector. The play revolves around a local mayor and other dignitaries who hear about a government inspector coming to town. With an hilarious plot as people try and bribe their way out of trouble, don’t miss this 1836 play by Nikolai Gogol at 5pm. Tickets are $18-$22. Book through Ticketek. Previous night’s tickets are also available.

Nobbys Lighthouse Open

Again it is Sunday and again you have another chance to experience excellent views of the city from Nobbys Headland. Don’t miss your chance to see this Newcastle treasure up close. There are only  handful of Sundays left before the grounds close again. Open 10am to 4pm, a kiosk will serve tea, coffee, cake and other light refreshments, or why not have a picnic with your loved ones? FREE Entry.

Monday 25th March

Bluesfest Sideshow: Wanda Jackson @ Lizotte’s Restaurant

Known as the Queen of Rock and First Lady of Rockabilly, this living legend will pull out all the stops. After releasing her 31st studio album last year after the wildly successful “The Party Ain’t Over” 2011 album which saw her team up with Jack White, it seems that nothing can slow this woman down. First touring in 1955 with Elvis Presley, Lizotte’s is lucky to have such music royalty performing on its stage. The only woman to ever be inducted into both the Rockabilly and Rock and Roll Hall of Fames (on recommendation from Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello and Bruce Springsteen), don’t miss Wanda Jackson perform such hits like “Tears Will Be the Chaser for Your Wine” and “Heart Trouble”.

Main meal and show - $106.00

Show only with bar menu available - $64.00

Book tickets through Lizotte’s.

Tuesday 26th March

Choose Days @ Hotel Delany

Tuesday’s are Choose Days at Hotel Delany, giving you the choice of any back bar spirit for $6 from 6pm. Taste the hotel’s finest tonight with a chilled session with workmates and friends. Why not have dinner there while you’re at it? Tuesday night sorted.

$15 T-Bone Steak Meal Deal @ Soho on Darby

If dinner at The Del doesn’t sound appetising, why not experience Soho on Darby’s $15 T-Bone steak served with salad and fries? Just a quick walk from Hotel Delany where $6 drinks await.

“Play for a Pint, Sing for your Supper” Open Mic Night @ Great Northern Hotel

Are you, or do you know someone who is trying to get noticed? All emerging artists take note, because you get to play a half hour set AND get rewarded with a free meal and drink. If you are not musically inclined, come along and support talented up-and-coming local musicians. With $8 jugs and $10 steaks, you will be hard pressed to find a better Tuesday night out in Newcastle. FREE entry, 7pm til Late. All interested musicians can contact their MC Thomas Lawson for a slot on 0434 031 668 or you can show up on the night if you don’t mind waiting.

Wednesday 27th March

DeWolff with special guests Fox Control @ Newcastle Leagues Club

To celebrate their new album “DEWOLFF IV” and its success overseas, Dutch trio DEWOLFF are playing one show only in Newcastle. Recently being crowned Europe’s “Must See Live Band” by Rolling Stone, you do not want to miss this unforgettable performance with their own Hammond organ brand of rock. Supported by Newcastle band Fox Control, head on down to Newcastle Leagues Club for a loud night! Doors open 7.15pm for an 8pm start. Tickets - $30.00 Adults, $25.00 Students. Buy tickets through ProTicket.

Thursday 28th March

Bandaluzia @ Lizotte’s Restaurant

Acclaimed Sydney Flamenco ensemble Bandaluzia are bringing their dazzling show to Lizotte’s. This is certainly one spice-filled night with special guests from Spain including Eva Pinero (Flamenco singer), Manuel Cazas (Flamenco guitar), and Rosalie Cocchiaro (Flamenco dancer). Other performers include Damian Wright on guitar, Jessica Statham dancing, Jazz legend Steve Hunter on Bass and James Hauptmann on Percussion. Swing those hips to the rhythm of  Lizotte’s tonight.

Show only with a-la-carte and tapas menu available - $28.00

Show only with bar menu available - $28.00

Book your tickets to this must-see event at Lizotte’s.

Caravana Sun @ Great Northern Hotel

Sydney-based group Caravana Sun have toured nationally and internationally after releasing their independent 2011 album ‘Rising Falling’. With their sound being described as ‘Gypsy Fuelled Ska Surf Rebellious Barefoot Rock’, you know they will get  your feet moving to their infectious beats. 18+ Event. Doors open 8pm. Door cost TBC.