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General
Advertise your gig or event for free
 Anyone hosting a local, public event can take advantage of the new Community Events Calendar on the Lake Macquarie Council website at www.lakemac.com.au – and it’s free!
The calendar is a new feature aimed at helping people find events and entertainment opportunities in Lake Macquarie City and the surrounding region. It’s creators also hope that it helps to boost patronage to events and, in turn, give our local economy a helping hand.
Gigs, festivals, or any event with an open invitation may be posted on the new Community Events Calendar.
Posting events on the Community Calendar is free and easy:
- Register using your email address
- Upload your event details
- Include photos to help promote your event
- Maintain all of your events at any time on the “My Events” page after logging in
The calendar can be found online here.
If you need help or want more information email Angie Francisco on afrancisco@lakemac.nsw.gov.au or call her on 49210 186.
Posted on March 4th, 2010 in General Comments Off
Screaming Jets guitarist set to Rock the Black Dog!
Agents of Peace and Screaming Jets founder and songwriter/musician Grant Walmsley, is set to be one of the judges in the upcoming “Youth Rockin’ the Black Dog 2010″ band competition.
Youth Rockin’ the Black Dog is a new and innovative musical arts competition in the Hunter designed to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst young people. The winners will receive a three-track professional recording session and 500 produced CDs among other prizes.
Launched on 1 February, the Youth Rockin’ the Black Dog event is a partnership between the Hunter Institute of Mental Health, the Black Dog Institute, and the local music industry. It aims to raise awareness of mental health issues amongst young people, while giving local musicians a platform to showcase their talents.
The event is the brainchild of Newcastle-based music producer and performer Gareth Hudson. Gareth organised the successful 2008 Rockin’ the Black Dog concert in Newcastle, which also aimed to raise awareness of mental health issues.
“The competition aims to use music to engage young people and increase their awareness of mental health issues,” Gareth said. “While the music does not have to explore these issues, there will be other opportunities through the audition rounds and the grand final for young people to obtain important information.”
The competition is open to young people aged 15 to 21, and entries close 19 March, 2010. Entrants need to submit two songs (one original) to be judged by a panel of acclaimed local musicians.
Six finalists will then battle it out live during a night of great music at the Loft Youth Venue in Newcastle on 21 May 2010 before a winner is announced.
Tickets for this event will go on sale on 1 March 2010, and can be purchased from The Loft Youth Venue.
More information about the event and to download an entry form visiting www.himh.org.au/YRBD or become a fan of Youth Rockin’ the Black Dog on Facebook.
Posted on February 23rd, 2010 in Events, Front Page, General Comments Off
 Christina Aguilera, Johnny Cash, The Dixie Chicks, Ben Folds 5, the Grateful Dead, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Chicago, Creed, Martina McBride and Tim McGraw are just some of the world famous musicians that have turned to Renee to help them work on their technique, correct a problem or prepare themselves for the rigors of performing.
Renee offers a number of teaching tools including her Vocal Master Class DVD, her Vocal Warm-Up CD, and the book Voice Power. Check these plus a full list of Renee’s accomplishments including past and present clientele www.MyVoiceCoach.com.
You will have the chance to tap into this highly valued resource when Renee conducts workshops at The Studio on February 16 and 17, 2010.
With topics ranging from Passive Breathing, Controlling Vibrato & Killer High Notes to Tips on Contests & Choosing the Right Songs for your voice, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
People interested in attending can download this information sheet and can register at cmcproductions.com.au.
Posted on February 10th, 2010 in General Comments Off
 Presented by Erina Fair and Radio 2GO, The Acoustic Awards are a competition inviting performers in genres that are popular to all ages and backgrounds. The grand final prize includes a 4 track EP recording, photo shoot, and a performing opportunity at Erina Fair in New South Wales, Australia.
A wide range of genres are accepted, but must be acoustic; mostly seeking blues, roots, jazz, classical, country, folk, burlesque, alternative, bluegrass and more. The competition will include solo artists, duos and acoustic bands. It will take place over a period of 9 weeks in The Hive area of Erina Fair Shopping Centre and will involve a minimum of 30 acts over that period. Judges will vary from week to week and will include music industry representatives and major sponsor representatives. The first heat will be on February 4th, 2010.
Acts will be encouraged to bring family and friends, as crowd response will be part of the judging criteria. Unlike the traditional “Battle of The Bands,” the Acoustic Awards will reach a broad and diverse population encompassing all ages from very young to very old, both for performers and audience.
The event is a competitive opportunity for exposure of acoustic musicians. This is a challenging, professional competition with reputable sponsors and credible organisers and judges. They encourage acoustic musicians of all ages and experience levels to apply.
Sound production and lighting supplied by All Sound Lighting and Entertainment. The Grand Prize will include a 4 track EP recording with Sound Ideas Newcastle, Advertised Gig at Erina Fair, Professional Photo Shoot by Image Focus Australia, Publicity and more.
Musicians can enter online at sonicbids.com/AnnualAcousticAwards. Entries must be received before January 14, 2010.
For more information visit the Acoustic Awards MySpace profile at myspace.com/ccacousticmusic.
Posted on December 31st, 2009 in Events, General Comments Off
Voiceless Entertainment … “offering a voice to the voiceless”
 Voiceless Entertainment is a Hunter Valley based booking iniative that specialises in getting “grass roots” entertainment off the ground. As their roster grows they plan to cover a wider range of genres and begin booking gigs outside the Hunter region.
Voiceless currently represents Memorial Drive, Enemy of Average and Stray Bulletz.
The initiative is the brainchild of Adam Belcher and Sy Robertson.
Throughout 2008 and 2009 Adam operated The Hunter Underground Magazine, a publication which focused on the promotion of original music from Newcastle and the Hunter Valley. “I’ve messing with a few ideas of how I could contribute to the local music community”, Adam explained, “stage 1 was The Underground Magazine, which hopfully will return.”
Adam has fronted several local bands including Memorial Drive and Seven Thousand Machines while Sy has played guitar in such local bands as Ava Flyway and Just….
Together they wish to celebrate the up-coming 2010 launch of Voiceless Entertainment by putting on a small run of live shows and meet the hard working local bands. “With Sy’s enthusiasm, experience and kind nature i feel this concept has the potential to have a positive influence on music, 100% original artist booking and development” Adam said.
Below is a list of some of the shows they are organising in Early 2010:
Voiceless Entertainment is looking for enthusiastic bands who are keen to get themselves out into the live music scene, develope their live show and move forward. Any artists that wish to get involved and get themselves out there should contact us with expression’s of interest via:
For more information about Voiceless Entertainment Visit their MySpace profile at myspace.com/voicelessentertainment or their Facebook Page.
Posted on December 30th, 2009 in General Comments Off
After penning a folk song about time travel, Eighty found themselves amongst the finalists of the 1233 ABC Newcastle Music Awards Folk Category. Now this dynamic duo will perform their debut live set as part of the Independent Musos’ Network Christmas Party at The Lass O’Gowrie on Sunday, 13 December.
 Eighty is the musical collaboration of Torrance Drummond and Alex Bird, who were ecstatic to be included in the finalists of the Folk category along with established local musicians such as Sarah Humphries, Daniel March and Benjalu.
“It was a great surprise to make it to the finals, especially given that many of the other finalists have won ABC awards in the past. For something we recorded in my bedroom, our track Delorean has gone a long way already”, said Bird.
Drummond & Bird began their musical journey together in high school performing together on various projects. From 2007 Eighty have been active participants in the Sydney Eisteddfod Performing Arts Challenge in the singer/songwriter section, receiving highly commended and second place in 2008 and 2009.
The Independent Musos’ Network Christmas party is themed Xmas in a Medieval Court. Local jesters will entertain the King and his court at Christmas time. Such jesters will include The Kings Fool, Zackari Watt, Mark Wells, Nick Saxon, Great Toad & The Chameleon Circus, Paul Addie, Aroldytes Revenge, The Dread Sky and roving performances from The Lovelorn Living Party.
Eighty is a new and exciting face in the Newcastle music scene. Don’t miss this opportunity to see this dynamic duo deliver their chilled, genuine, soulful tunes from 3pm on Sunday, 13 December at The Lass.
- Who: Eighty
- What: Debut set
- When: Sunday, 13 December 2009
- Where: The Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, 14 Railway Street, Wickham
Posted on December 5th, 2009 in Artists, Events, General Comments Off
Here is the list of tracks from local artists we previewed on the Afternoons program on 1233 ABC today:
- Mojo Juju – Dear Darlin’ – Entry in the 2007 Adult Contemporary Category. Mojo Juju won the Best Female Vocals that year too.
- Solver – One Step Too Far – Started out as “Extortion” (Best Young Talent in 2002) and later changed their name to “Solver” (ABC Music Artist of the Year in 2004). Fronted by “Morgan Evans” who won Best Male Vocals in 2004 and won the Telstra Road to Tamworth in 2007
- Highlander – The Craiced Fiddle – Local Celtic band. Play with Bagpipes on Stage. They recently played in Jakarta and will be playing in Hyde Park Sydney for St Andrew’s day on the 29th of November
- Chris Byrne – Glide – Winner of the Adult Contemporary award in 2007
- Grace Turner – One Way Street – Winner of the ABC Music Publishing / APRA Songwriters and Composers Recognition Award and Best Young Talent and the Folk Category in 2007
- Robbie Long – Landslide – Newcastle based Guitar player. Highly accomplished flatpicker. Has recorded many of the Music awards entrants over the years.
- Dukes of Erlington – Underestimated – Winner of the Alternative category in 2008.
- On – Fortunately Everything – Winner of the Contemporary Popular Music category in 2003. Amy Vee was the band’s vocalist.
- Amy Vee – Heart Shaped Space – Finalist in the 2009 Contemporary Category
- Amy Vee – All in Me – Finalist in the Pop category in 2003
- Grandmaster Monk – Danza Hermes – Entry in the 2009 Blues and Roots category
- Jason Lowe – Faith – ABC Music Artist of the Year 2008, Best Male Vocal in 2008
- Bob Corbett – Share Crop Gone – Finalist in the Country Category in 2007
For more information about the Newcastle Music Awards visit www.newcastlemusicawards.com. For a complete list of past entrants visit the Music Awards Archive.
Posted on November 13th, 2009 in General Comments Off
Community groups within 400 kilometres of Cardiff have the chance to win a musical equipment package through the Keep the Music Playing initiative.
Telstra Area General Manager, Hunter Central Coast, Chris Cusack, said Keep the Music Playing was a fantastic new initiative designed to support the growth of music talent throughout Australia.
 “Telstra has demonstrated a strong commitment to music development through the Telstra Road to Tamworth, and thanks to partner Billy Hyde, we’re now able to offer a wide range of community groups, from public schools to local charities, the chance to win valuable music equipment,” Mr Cusack said.
The winning community group from around the Cardiff region will be one of 13 groups across the country awarded the musical equipment packages, which will include instruments and recording equipment. Each group will be able to choose from one of four packages.
Entries are now open in the Telstra Road to Tamworth national talent search, which offers performers and songwriters the ultimate prize package to help launch a professional music career.
Local singer/songwriter Morgan Evans was announced as the winner of the 2007 Telstra Road to Tamworth ahead of 600 other hopeful entrants.
Telstra Road to Tamworth Ambassadors, The McClymonts, started their young careers entering talent competitions and gaining valuable performance and industry knowledge along the way.
Mollie McClymont, a former Telstra Road to Tamworth finalist, said Telstra provided amazing opportunities for aspiring musicians through the Telstra Road to Tamworth competition.
 “Up and coming country artists should be taking the chance to showcase their talent,” she said.
“The new online digital heat means that no matter where you live in Australia, you can still be a part of this fantastic program.”
The winning country music performer will receive a return trip to Nashville, as well a recording opportunity, the production of a music video clip and a professional photographic session.
A return trip to Nashville and the unique opportunity to work with leading US songwriters are also on offer to the winning songwriter.
Aspiring performers are encouraged to send in a video or audio clip of their musical performance via video upload or web link and songwriters can upload their lyrics and melody for a chance to win. Entries close at midnight on Sunday 18 October.
The Cardiff heat of the Telstra Road to Tamworth talent competition will be held at Cardiff Panthers from 7.00pm on Saturday 31 October, entry is via gold coin donation.
The event will feature performances by headline talent Jetty Road, supported by local Sydney musician and 2009 Telstra Road to Tamworth Grand Final winner Peter McWhirter.
- What: Telstra Road to Tamworth talent competition – Cardiff Heat
- Where: Cardiff Panthers
- When: 7.00pm on Saturday 31 October
The closing date for artists performing is October 18, Songwriting is November 1. Bill Page, Creative Director of Mushroom Music is the head judge on the judging panel and is looking forward to seeing some great talent from the area.
For more information on heat locations, the terms and conditions and how to enter the Telstra Road to Tamworth or Keep the Music Playing visit www.beinvolved.com.au
Posted on September 29th, 2009 in General Comments Off
The Recession Sessions Open Mic Contest at the View Factory
The Recession Sessions is an open mic night with a difference…
 Starting back in April of 2009 The Recession Sessions was originally going to be once a month on a Wednesday night.
Due to the success of the first few nights it was then moved to every Sunday afternoon.
With the night growing in popularity it was decided to step it up a notch and turn it into a contest.
In association with Foodworks, The View Factory is launching The Recession Sessions Open Mic Contest. The competition invites musicians of any skill level and age, so it’s a great way to get up on stage and play in front of an audience for the first time.
As of October 11th they will be offering a weekly prize of a $50 Grocery voucher donated by Foodworks Newcastle, right next door to the View Factory.
The winning artists will return at the end of eleven weeks and compete for a major prize of a $300 gift voucher at a local music store, also donated by Foodworks Newcastle.
“I think it’s a great way to promote community spirit, not only for the musicians but for the public also.” Daniel Macleod, Foodworks Manager.
The competition kicks off on Sunday the 11th of October at 5pm and will run for 11 weeks.
In these testing financial times, all performers are provided with a complimentary meal.
Musicians can literally come along and sing for their supper.
Posted on September 19th, 2009 in General Comments Off
The Music Nursery at the Wickham Park Hotel continues with a massive show to kick off the month on October 1 – The Zillers and Caleb Skips Chemistry.
Caleb Skips Chemistry
 Recent years have seen the newcastle rock scene dwindle and hardcore music rise to fruition as the dominant sound – But what is next? Caleb Skips Chemistry is the answer to the question. Coming full circle, newcastle is preparing for the heaviest live rock performance since Sleight of Hand’s split. On the back of their debut EP ‘Battles Begun’ the lads from [CsC] are touring NSW and interstate.
The past several years have seen the bands sound evolve and change into the solid, rockin’ grooves of today. ‘Overload’ from the debut EP showcases their catchy pop sensibilty but also their political and heavy-hitting presence. Often compared to Mammal and RAtM these guys are time and again proving that rock’n'roll is where its at. With live performances that leave punters battered, hearts racing and ear-holes throbbing [Csc] are a must see.
the.CALEB’s have won acclaim around state – blitzing TAFE, REGIONAL and LOCAL band comps with their uncompromising live show. These guys aren’t afraid of spelling ‘Brutal’ the way it should be spelt, and are redefining the local scene as a place where bands are judged on their performance … not just their image. So help them raise the bar in this scene, by coming to a show and raising the roof.
The debut EP ‘Battles Begun’ will be available at gigs from late September.
The Zillers
As longtime schoolmates, who met in the mundane halls and classrooms of Kurri High, The Zillers exploded onto the Newcastle and Maitland music scene in the early summer of 2007.
With over 20 songs penned in the first year, The Zillers have gone onto play 120+ shows with the likes of Airbourne, The Scare, Muzzy Pep and British India.
In a short space of time the boys discovered their own sound combining a melodic sound wall of blaring complex guitars, dirty elaborate bass lines, and an amalgamation of colossal drumbeats and fills, initiating their own style of modern rock from influences such as QOTSA, Grinspoon & At The Drive In.
The Zillers first EP (yet to be titled) is going through its final stages of completion and is scheduled for release in the late spring of 2009 after working with acclaimed producer Tony Heads and polished off at Abbey Road Studios UK.
- What: The Zillers + Caleb Skips Chemistry @ The Music Nursery
- Where: The Wickham Park Hotel
- When: Thursday October 1
- Cost: Free
Posted on September 16th, 2009 in General Comments Off
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