Band Search shows Newcastle’s live music scene is alive and well

Over the last 12 weeks, more than 50 local bands have taken the stage at The Cambridge Hotel to do battle as part of the Bacardi Band Search.

In only its second year of competition, the event attracted more than double the band entries of its inaugural year, proving to organizers that the local music scene is healthy.

“After seeing all these acts perform, its clear that there’s a very rich and stable music scene in this town,” event coordinator and venue booker Gra Seaton says, “this competition is extremely tough to judge. Any one of the last 12 bands could win it.”

After 10 knockout heats and 2 repechage events, 12 bands remain to make up 4 mouth-watering semi finals. Judges will be presented with a mix of rock, pop, hip hop, & hardcore bands over the next fortnight to find the final four worthy of competing in the Grand Final on Friday 3rd September. Prizes include $2000 cash, recording and rehearsal studio time, a guitar amplifier and effects package & a drum kit.

Semi Final Dates

• Semi Final 1 – Thursday 5th August
• Heart Attack & Vine + The Owls + Red Dawn

• Semi Final 2 – Saturday 7th August
• Strangers + Fishkicker + Allay The Sea

• Semi Final 3 – Thursday 12th August
• Little Blak Dress + State Of Grace + The Playtapes

• Semi Final 4 – Friday 13th August
• I Am The Agent + Cota + T.H.P

All Semi Finals commence at 8.45pm and entry is free. For more information visit www.yourcambridge.com

Grand Final Details

• Grand Final – Friday 3rd September
• I Am The Agent + Little Blak Dress + Allay The Sea + The Owls