What’s On This Week in Newcastle: Burlesque, Beer & Love

by Jenna Smith on February 10, 2012

Be prepared for the upcoming week Novocastrians, as there is no shortage of events & happenings in Newcastle! With everything from the hottest talent on the music scene to kickboxing, Shakespeare & a beer festival, we are sure you are going to find something on our list to get you out and about and enjoy the little summer we have left.

Friday, 10 February

Tonight the multi-award winning play Closer kicks off its Newcastle stint at Civic Theatre’s Playhouse. After worldwide success through the 90’s & a transformation into an Academy Award-nominated film, Novocastrians are invited to see what all the fuss it about in this powerful, darkly funny play about desire, deception & love. The play premieres tonight at 8pm and will continue until 18 February. Tickets are $30 for adults & $25 concession. Visit thewebsite for more information & to purchase tickets or call (02) 4929 1977.

Head to Lizotte’s Newcastle tonight, for a feast of acoustic guitar, story & song featuring Hussy Hicks, Matt Zarb & Minnie Marks! The Hussy Hicks have stolen hearts across the globe with their live performances. From humble beginnings in a small town pub, these two girls will be bringing their harmonies & intense rhythms to the stage tonight. Add in support from the exciting kicking, stomping, guitar, harmonica, mandolin playing sounds of Matt Zarb & the high energy of amazing young singer, songwriter & guitarist Minnie Marks, and you have a great Friday night. Tickets are just $28 with a la carte or bar menus available. Tickets are available here.

Missing good ol’ rock & roll? Think they just don’t make it like they used to? Never fear because Electric Mary are bringing classic rock to the Great Northern Hotel tonight! Having supported the greats such as Deep Purple & Alice Cooper, Electric Mary are ready to treat Newcastle to the real sounds of rock & roll. The show will kick off from 7.30pm, featuring support from Secret Whisper, Broadway Mile & Jade Gannon. Tickets are available now for $12+bf from here, otherwise you can pick them up at the door for $15. This is an over 18’s event.

Saturday, 11 February

Head down to Nobby’s Beach today for what is going to be amazing experience & a lot of fun as Hunter Connect presents the first annual Surfers for Autism. This is a fantastic opportunity for families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorder, as children with ASD can enter the surf comp, plus there are a range of beach activities for the whole family. ASD friendly organisations, supporters and sponsors are invited to come and have a presence to connect with the families, also huge raffles and prizes are on offer! Hunter Connect is calling for anyone willing to volunteer on the day to help kids in the water as well as with the beach activities, if you are interested register here. If you are on organisation or family wishing to register for the day, or just want some more information, visit the Hunter Connect website.

Book into Lizotte’s Newcastle for something a little more risqué tonight as the Ruby Revue Burlesque Show offers Newcastle the chance to see the hottest in Australian burlesque. Book your ticket now ($91+bf for main meal & show, or $49+bf for bar menu & show) and see what all the fuss is about..

Don’t miss your chance to see one of Australia’s best hip hop stars Kerser, as he performs two live shows today & tonight at The Cambridge Hotel! With brutally honest & skilfully charismatic lyrics, Kerser, dubbed as one of Australia’s hottest prospects, will be playing an all-ages show from 4pm & then bringing it for the older kids tonight from 8pm. Tickets to both shows & more information.

Melbourne trio River of Snakes, will be hitting The Great Northern tonight. Inspired by Australian 90’s punk & grunge, they will be kicking off their show at 8pm. Door entry is free & this is an over 18’s event. More info.

Sunday, 12 February

If you haven’t been to Newcastle’s best (only?) dive bar, then head along to Chino’s Bar this evening and check it out. The story is it used to be The Red Bar at The Cambridge, but has been cut off from the pub and opened as it’s very own bar & live music venue. They sell long necks over the bar, have a selection of cocktails and a tasty menu to choose from. This evening Bones Jones & The Skeletones and Tommy 9 Fingers will be bringing some blues to the stage. Free entry. The bar is open from 3pm, bands kick off at 7pm. More info.

Monday, 13 February

Got cabin fever & need to get out of the house? But it’s only Monday, surely there is nothing to do in Newcastle on a Monday? Well, you’re wrong. Check out Urban Insider’s Guide to Monday’s & cure your Monday-itis forever.

Tuesday, 14 February

Whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day has rolled around again! For something a little different to do on what may be your happiest or saddest day of the year, check out Urban Insider’s 6 Adventurous Things To Do In Newcastle This Valentine’s Day. Or if you’re stuck on a bit of a budget, treat your Valentine with one of these 6 Ideas for Valentines Day on a Budget in Newcastle.

Treat your loved one to a meal & some of Australia’s best jazz from Zoe K & The Shadow Katz at Lizotte’s Newcastle tonight. With just the right amount of mood lighting, some sweet, sensual sounds & a delicious meal, you will have your partner eating out of the palm of your hand this Valentine’s Day. More info & tickets.

Want to continue on like this is just a normal day of the week? Check out Urban Insider’s Daily Guide to Tuesday’s & get amongst the specials & happenings in Newcastle that can be found every Tuesday night.

Wednesday, 15th February

Promising to be a memorable night, Thomas Lawson will tonight launch his EP To see the wool or the fur at Lizotte’s Newcastle. Inspired by the sounds of Bon Iver & City & Colour, Thomas Lawson combines unique acoustic folk sound with heartfelt lyrics. Get in quick & book your tickets here - guests will also receive a free EP with every ticket!

Support Newcastle’s Young People’s Theatre tonight as they showcase William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, a comedy of gender confusion & mistaken identities. Sure to delight audiences young & old, this is a great chance to see Newcastle’s best up & coming theatre talent. To buy your tickets, call (02) 4961 4895. More info.

Friday, 17 February

Newcastle’s Inner City Winemakers are hosting an exhibition of works by Catherine Bargwanna and tastings of their Street Art Series wines. Kick off is 5:30pm.

Nothing goes better than cool jazz & a generous serving of chilli crab. So don’t miss Brian’s Famous Jazz & Chilli Crab Night, featuring The Andrew Geraughty Trio, tonight at Lizotte’s Newcastle. It’s infamous, so it must be good. More info & tickets.

Darby Street’s very own Fashion Art Studio, Before It Began will be hosting Cleopatra’s Snatch Meets Jasmine’s Hooch tonight - a showcase of local designer & Before It Began owner, Jzhonnie Bechet’s, new collection. The launch will also feature images by co-owner Bonnie-Grace Dwyer & Kwaku Atuahene. The launch will run from 6pm till 9pm at the Before It Began store, which is Shop 5 113-125 Darby Street (behind Darby Raj). Don’t miss out on this chance to see Newcastle’s creative arts at it’s best. More info.

Saturday, 18 February

Touted by Beat Magazine as one of the best Australian rock bands to emerge over the last decade, HELM are featuring at The Cambridge Hotel tonight. If you are yet to hear or witness a live show from HELM, do yourself a favour & book your tickets now! More info & tickets.

After wowing crowds in 2011, Newcastle Panther’s hosts yet another exciting rendition of Real Deal Thai Kickboxing tonight. Featuring some of the world’s greatest in Thai boxing, tonight is sure to take you out of Newcastle & straight into what will feel just like a dodgy kickboxing event in a Thai stadium. Various ticket levels are available so book now as you do not want to miss the chance to see this exciting event! More info & tickets.

Say a proper farewell to Summer today as Newcastle hosts the 2012 Taste of the World Beer Festival! Really indulge in some of Australia’s best Craft Beer, international brews & award winning wines. Forget the diet just for one day & taste some of the delicious foods prepared by the winners of My Kitchen Rules, Sammy & Bella. To be held at Newcastle’s Harness Racing Club tonight from 6pm-10pm & following onto Sunday 12noon - 5pm, you do not want to miss this spectacle of cold beer & delicious food! Tickets are available for tonight from the door for $15 & pre-sale tickets for Sunday are available from Moshtix. More info & festival schedule.

Sunday, 19 February

If you’re after a fun day out filled with tasty treats and tunes, head along to the Hamilton Food, Wine & Music Festival today on Beaumont St, Hamilton. Feature performances include Mat McHugh from The Beautiful Girls, and there’ll also be a range of market stalls & amusements for the kids.