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Events
 A few months ago The Havelocks dissapeared from the live scene. In the past several weeks the band has returned for some special shows at Lizotte’s, the Lass O’Gowrie Hotel and the Hamilton Station. So the band is back, but what did the five-piece get up to during their hiatus from the live scene in Newcastle?
“We recorded an EP,” replies rhythm guitarist and resident beard Craig Whibley. And so they did! Locking themselves up in the basement of producer Jayson Evans’ Aurora Live Studios in Warners Bay, The Havelocks went about putting together their debut EP.
“Five songs, three guitars, one drum kit, a bass, two vodka kegs, ten cartons, seventeen cigarettes, a Fender deluxe and a f*!!?*ing Les Paul,” mused vocalist Jay Piper, “It’s rocky, it’s poppy, it’s chunky, it’s funky.”.
The Havelocks put down five songs for the EP which is titled “Words”, after one of the band’s favourite songs.
“The fans love that one,” says drummer Luke Tweedie, “if you’re feeling like a gig isn’t going too well just pull out ‘Words’. It just makes people want to get on board, and they do. Sweet as a nut.”
As well as two other fan favourites The Darkness and Never Go, the band’s debut EP has two new songs.
“We recorded a demo with a fair few of the fan favourites last year,” says bassist Lawrence De Sylva. “Most of the people who know us and follow us have cds or mp3s of our stuff, so we couldn’t justify re-recording all old ones for the EP.”
So The Havelocks are back! This time with their debut EP “Words”. The “Words” EP launch will be held at the Northern Star Hotel on Saturday 25th September. In support of the launch will be sets from Melody Pool and the Brothers Clam. The EP will be available for sale at the launch and all subsequent gigs; online through iTunes, Aurora Live Online, via The Havelocks myspace site and other soon-to-be announced locations.
For more information about The Havelocks visit their MySpace profile at http://myspace.com/thehavelocks
Posted on September 2nd, 2010 in Artists, Events, Front Page Comments Off
 Punk rockers The Outsiders are crossing the Tasman Sea this week to take over Australia, and will be stopping in Newcastle at the Hamilton Station Hotel this Saturday as part of their musical assault. Locals Bats and Battleships will be defending our fort, and Central Coast boys Batfoot will be making the trip up to add to the reinforcements. But Newcastle needs you! Come join the forces.
The war will kick off at 9:30, when Batfoot will drop bombs of bass and fill the room with their battle cry. Bats and Battleships will shake the walls with rock. The masses will rise. The Outsiders will surely prove a worthy opponent, bringing with them international acclaim, passionate vocals and plenty of fight in their rounded sound.
Who will prove greatest, Newcastle’s army of Bats or New Zealand’s Outsiders bursting in? For just $8 you can witness the carnage first hand at the Hamilton Station Hotel this Saturday, the 28th of August. Doors open 9:30 p.m., over 18s only. Presented by Bassline Projects and Promotions.
Posted on August 24th, 2010 in Events Comments Off
 Nerds & Music is a folk-parody duo from Newcastle NSW. Composed of Clark Gormley and Wayne Thompson, the Nerds paired up in late 2007 and are building a folllowing through their comedic performances around Newcastle’s beer gardens, street fairs and Folk Clubs in the area.
The Nerds will be launching their new album, titled ‘Courage in the Face of Absurdity’, at the Lass O’Gowrie Hotel on September 26.
The Nerds’ style could best be described as folk-comedy. Performing entirely original songs, Nerds & Music aim to reveal the semiotic truths behind everyday existence by forensically dissecting subjects such as mowing the lawn, mumbling and the colour brown. Clark brings to the duo a reputation for witty poetry and songwriting, a legacy of his long courtship with the written word. Wayne is a more recent resident in the world of songwriting, and brings his ‘less is more’ sensibility to the duo’s musical arrangements. Both like to deliver satire coated in pleasing vocal harmonies.
Clark plays bass and harmonica, while Wayne plays guitar and occasional kazoo.
Listen below for a sample of their track ‘Copious Notes‘. This song was entered in the Folk Category of the 2009, ABC Newcastle Music Awards. Clark describes the song as “a piece of folk wisdom from my father, channelling the spirit of Johnny Cash.”
Also performing at the album launch by Newcastle’s own blurgrass (yes, ‘blur’) specialists The Do-Riders. Their version of Prince’s ‘Kiss‘ is something to behold.
- What: Nerds and Music Album Launch
- Where: Lass O’Gowrie Hotel
- When: Sunday 26th September, 2–6pm
Nerds and Music will also be appearing at the Folk in Broke festival 5-7 November.
Find out more about Nerds and Music on their Facebook page facebook.com/NerdsAndMusic
Posted on August 15th, 2010 in Events Comments Off
Royal Exchange is pleased to present this salon concert Direct from Amsterdam
 Decadence, vulnerability and comedy have long been among the essential elements of traditional cabaret. All three and then some, are worked to full effect by the combination of Fifi L’Amour and Rodolfo Ravissant …. have a fine feel for the irreverent and a wicked sense of mischief combined with the ability to shift moods quickly from the outrageous to the reflective.
It is these occasional gentler moments that give the show its edge and remind us that there is more to this oddly named couple than just another trip down the sleazy side of life.
This is a tour of Europe with a touch of class- with a ballad-belting bombshell who can sit on the lap of her audience without ever moving off the stage.
It’s a contralto voice but her range is dynamic, her presentation demands attention and she rewards you for it. Rodolfo is a master of the piano and accordion who also cleverly backgrounds improvised scenes.
One Night Only
- Where: Royal Exchange, 34 Bolton St, Newcastle
- Who: Fifi L’Amour & Rudolfo Ravissant
- When: Thursday 19th August, 8pm
- Tickets: $20 (or concesssion by negotiation)
Find out more about Fifi L’Amour and Rodolfo Ravissant at their website fifilamour.nl
Posted on August 14th, 2010 in Events Comments Off
 All girl duo THE WAGON are the newest act to hail from the beautiful city of sunny Newcastle. Combining the talents of Katie Wilson on Vocals and Lauren Hagan on Guitar/ Vocals these two are a combination that will not leave you disappointed.
With a passion for music that shines through their performance these girls are an act not to miss. Covering all your favourite hits, when THE WAGON are in town you are set for a great night out.
Although not new to the music scene the collaboration of these two artists was born about 12 months ago when a common passion for rich acoustic music, driving harmonies and a solid repertoire brought them together, from this was the birth of THE WAGON.
The Wagon will support industry stalwarts The Black Sorrows at Newcastle Leagues Club on August 21.
For more information about The Wagon visit their Facebook page.
Posted on August 14th, 2010 in Events Comments Off
Presenting The First Round Of What Is To Be A Killer Musical Line Up For Peats Ridge 2010!
 What happens when you put thousands of smiling people in a beautiful valley, over a three day period, showcase music, arts and culture across 9 stages and bring in the New Year … PEATS RIDGE!
Peats Ridge is a festival that has been described as a ‘sensual explosion‘ (novafm.com.au), ‘colourful and memorable‘ (pagesonline.it) and a ‘musical circus‘ (Reverb). Last year saw 10,000 patrons, filled with enthusiasm and excitement, ascend on the valley and with glowing reviews, it was a shining success enjoyed by all.
The largest camping festival over the New Year period, in NSW, Peats Ridge is a Sustainable Arts & Music Festival. It has proven to be a fresh, creative and innovative melting pot, where people can celebrate in a friendly and relaxed festival environment.
With a music line up that boasts pieces of many musical pies, for everyone to savour. The Festival always delights punters with big names acts and also surprises, with up and coming musical talent to be discovered.
The 2010 instalment promises to be everything brilliant that has been offered in previous years and much more… So without further ado, let’s unleash the first of the musical magic that will grace some of the 9 stages at Peats Ridge 2010.
Angus & Julia Stone * Trentemøller (Live) [DENMARK] * Built to Spill [USA] * Freestylers [UK] * Kate Miller-Heidke * Shout Out Louds [SWEDEN] * The Dynamites Featuring Charles Walker [USA] * Born Ruffians [CAN] * Lightspeed Champion [UK] * PVT * Decoder Ring * The Audreys * The Break * Washington * Cloud Control * Jonathan Boulet * Freq Nasty [UK] * Space Invadas * The Jezabels * Dan Mangan [CAN] * Thundamentals * Steve Poltz [USA] * Joel Plaskett [CAN] * King Tide * Horrorshow * Watussi * Parades * Big Scary * Spit Syndicate * Belles Will Ring * Kim Churchill * THE Chemist * The Gin Club * Tom Fun Orchestra [CAN] * Carmen Townsend [CAN] * Matt Barber [CAN] * Chase the Sun * The Lovetones * THE E.L.F * The Seabellies * McCartney * The Delta Riggs * Holly Martin * Spooky Land * Alter Ego Mania * Dereb the Ambassador [ETHIOPIA/AUD] * The Strides * loads more artists to be announced. Stay tuned …
If you are looking to feel the bass, Peats Ridge are very happy to announce the ‘DUB SHACK’ is returning. The stage that became known as ‘the dub monster’ in 2009, is set to pound yet again. Our three favourite Sydney crews Foreigndub, VOID and Western Synthetics, will be returning to bring you the best that the dubstep, drum n bass and dub scenes have to offer.
Peats Ridge, is held in the beautiful Glenworth Valley an hour north of Sydney. A three day event, it has become a major part of the annual calendar.
Peats Ridge has proven to be world class in entertainment, experience and education. Recognised as one of the world’s leading sustainable events, the Festival is a winner of numerous national and international awards for environmental sustainability.
A family friendly festival, Peats Ridge hosts an array of amazing music, arts performance and exhibitions, a focus on sustainable practices and education, a dedicated children’s festival, workshops, markets and much more.
*PEATS RIDGE 2010 – DEC 29 TO JAN 1 – GLENWORTH VALLEY, NSW*
3 Day Season Passes:
- ADULT (18+): $295 +bf
- CHILD (6-12): $25 +bf
- UNDER 6: FREE
Family Season Passes:
- 1 ADULT, 1 YOUTH: $390 +bf
- 2 ADULT, 1 YOUTH: $670 +bf
- EXTRA YOUTH (13-17): $80 +bf
Day Passes:
- ADULT: $125+bf
- YOUTH: $40+bf
- CHILD: $10+bf
Tickets will be available on August 19th.
As Peats Ridge is an Over 18 event, Youth tickets can only be purchased as part of a Family Pass. Children and Youth are permitted entry to the festival only if accompanied by a guardian over 25.
All Season Passes include camping and festival entry from 29th December 2010 – 1st January 2011.
Tickets will be available through Oztix.com.au.
For further information & ticket sales go to www.peatsridgefestival.com.au
Posted on August 12th, 2010 in Events, General Comments Off
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
All Semi Finals commence at 8.45pm and entry is free. For more information visit www.yourcambridge.com
Grand Final Details
Posted on August 2nd, 2010 in Events, General Comments Off
 For 7 years ROXY held the fort at the Kent Piano Bar ‘Level One’ filling a hole in the market by creating a ‘Piano-bar Nightclub’ that proved to be a great success with standing room only crowds of all ages. These were the people who wanted a night club experience, with live music as well as up to the minute top 40 dancing in breaks that was a contrast to ROXY’S retro ‘By Request format, and in a place where they felt safe and secure.
Word got around and eventually ROXY was approached to perform for world leading Royal Caribbean Cruises. So in March 2010 ROXY said goodbye to his Kent residency and headed to San Juan, Puerto Rico in Central America, where for the past 4 months he has topped the ratings, right across the board, repeating history as he did in the 1990′s with P&O Cruises and the ill fated
Achilles Lauro.
ROXY was so well received by American audiences that he has been offered lucrative contracts both on land in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Los Vegas as well as the lead role in a production show on another Royal Caribbean super liner.
However, after 110 consecutive shows abroad he has decided to come back home for some well needed rest.
He will commence at the Kent Hotel on August 20th.
ROXY says “It was hard to leave the Kent and even harder for Phil Tweed and Damo to fill these shoes in my absence, but from what I have heard, they have done an amazing job, and I appreciate them stepping aside to let me have another bash at the old grand piano at the Kent, after all, old habits die hard, and I really miss the audiences there and look forward to catching up with everyone again soon!”
Who: ROXY
Where: Kent Hotel
When: Friday 20th August
Find out more about ROXY at hos website: roxyshow.biz/
Posted on July 29th, 2010 in Artists, Events Comments Off
 Melbourne songwriter Whitley is gearing up for what will be his final tour ever. In the five years since he came onto the scene he’s completed countless tours to fans all over the country and the world.
The young songwriter is setting sail for greener pastures and relocating to Europe where he plans to explore new kinds of music in a new environment. ‘It’s been a great time playing all this music, but it’s time for me to pack it in here, there’s only so many times you can play around the same venues and expect to be stimulated and inspired. I mean, when you’re sitting in a band room and realize you’ve read and memorized 48% of the toilet’s graffiti in every venue, you know it’s time to explore new horizons…I know there could be a whole new world of toilet graffiti out there, new penis drawings that I can’t even conceive of in my feeble mind right now, with swearing in a completely foreign language.’
The word from the Whitley camp is that there will be songs from both releases played in a huge double set. ‘The first half will be solo, quiet songs … then I’ll bring on the band for the finale. I’m actually really excited. I can’t say that I have felt like that in a while, but I’m sure that this will be something to remember for us and hopefully the punters as well.’
Whitley’s last tour will take him around Australia in August with Australia’s favourite shoegaze band, Seagull.
Posted on July 22nd, 2010 in Events, Tours Comments Off
The sensational Jenny Morris to perform an intimate dinner show at The Brewery!
The Brewery is pleased to announce Jenny Morris, one of Australia’s finest female talents will take to the stage on Thursday August 19 to perform in intimate dinner mode with an all star band including former Newcastle drummer and percussionist Nic Cecire with Joseph Calderazzo on guitar, Andrew Worboys on keys and bass player James Haselwood.
The dining room upstairs at The Brewery will be dressed with candles and linen table cloths for this exclusive dinner show. Full table service will be provided on the night with drinks available for purchase at the bar. Patrons will be treated to a delightful three course meal, with alternate drops.
The Brewery will also provide vegetarian and celiac meals if required but this must be specified in advance of the event on booking. Tickets cost $85.00 per head and are available as pre-sale only from the venue (Tel: 49 29 6333 for further information). Doors will open at 6.00pm and patrons must be seated and ready for entrees which will be served at 7.00pm.
 Jenny Morris has had an amazing and influential career. Her initial success came with New Zealand band The Crocodiles, who had a top 20 hit single with ‘Tears’. Morris began her solo career with the single, ‘Puberty Blues’ in December 1981, it was the title track from the box office smash hit movie of the same name. She was an in demand session singer through the early 80′s working with high profile Australian and New Zealand bands including The Models, INXS, D.D. Smash and The Dropbears.
In late 1983 she formed chart topping band QED with Rex Goh (Air Supply) and Ian Belton (Dave Dobbyn and Reneé Geyer) remembered for their only album ‘Animal Magic’ with a hit single in ‘Everywhere I Go’, QED was short lived and disbanded in 1983. Jenny Morris then provided backing vocals for INXS on their iconic album ‘The Swing’ and also recorded a duet with a cover of Lee Hazelwood’s and Nancy Sinatra’s hit ‘Jackson’ with lead singer, Michael Hutchence and joined the band on their massive 1985-1986 ‘Listen Like Thieves’ world tour.
The New Zealand born Australian pop and rock singer went on to gain national attention in the late 1980′s and early ninety’s, with a string of platinum albums including ‘Body and Soul’, ‘Shiver’ and ‘Honeychild’ which spawned hit singles such as ‘She Has to Be Loved’ and ‘Break in the Weather’. Throughout her career she has sold in excess of 500 000 records and is the recipient of back-to-back ARIA awards for ‘Best Female Artist’. Jenny has toured the world with artists such and Sir Paul McCartney, Prince and INXS and played the most prestigious stages including Wembley Stadium (London UK) and Le Bercy Stadium (Paris, France).
Jenny is also an active board member of the Australia Performing Rights Association (ARPA) and in January this year she received an Order of Australia with a citation ‘for service to the arts, particularly music, and to the community through charitable organizations.
Music fans will find this intimate dinner show at The Brewery a rewarding experience. Tickets for the intimate dinner show with Jenny Morris on Thursday August 19th cost $85.00 per head and are available as pre-sale only from the venue (for booking and enquiries please call The Brewery on Tel: 49 29 6333 for further information). Please note dinner shows at The Brewery have proven to be very popular so we suggest you get in quickly as there is a limited capacity for this show.
- Who: An Intimate Concert with Jenny Morris
- Where: Queens Wharf Brewery
- When: August 19, 2010
- Tickets: $85 – For bookings call 49 29 6333
For more information about Jenny Morris visit her website at www.jennymorris.com.
Posted on July 22nd, 2010 in Events Comments Off
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