Funding support takes entertainment outdoors this summer

Newcastle’s COVID-19-disrupted performing arts and live music industries will be reinvigorated by a new initiative which will see emerging performers work with experienced professionals to deliver live events in suburban parks.

City of Newcastle is offering opportunities for emerging creatives who will present live music and performances at eight events held in Gregson Park, Centennial Park, Jesmond Park and Lambton Park on weekends throughout January.

City of Newcastle Interim Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said taking live music and performances outdoors this summer is a COVID safe way to bring the local community back together after the prolonged lockdown period.

“It’s been a challenging time for the performing arts sector and live music industry in Newcastle, with many artists and performers out of work for several months,” Ms Hyland said.

“City of Newcastle is committed to putting our support behind these industries by activating the suburbs and creating opportunities for live outdoor entertainment this summer, in a bid to bring the community back together safely.

“I hope people get a boost from visiting their local park, joining with friends and family and enjoying the energy and atmosphere of live performances while supporting Newcastle’s cultural scene.”

Young and emerging event producer Jasmine Fletcher from Queer and Now said the group is looking forward to working with local not-for-profit arts organisation Octapod and City of Newcastle to deliver creative performances showcasing local talent.

“This is such an exciting opportunity for our local performing arts industry following months of lockdown,” Jasmine said.

"We've curated a stellar line-up of local talent from poets, hula-hoopers to stilt walkers, and can't wait to see them perform live in front of a crowd this summer."

The initiative is funded under City of Newcastle’s COVID-19 Community Economic Resilience Package (CERP) and follows the December round of Locally Made and Played grant funding, which will see more than 80 live music, micro theatre and comedy-style performances held across the city in the lead up to Christmas between 1 - 20 December 2021.

Visit City of Newcastle's What’s ON page for more event information.

LOCALLY MADE & PLAYED GRANT FUNDING RECIPIENTS DECEMBER:

Earp Distilling Co
Hunter Beasley Trio
Bodie Band
Loui Abell
Thom Wootton
Tim Rossington

The Clarendon Hotel
Humming Bird Trio
J-Man's Blues Band
Fox Control DJs
Jump

Momo Wholefood
Pikou Panez (featuring Mia Peters, Naomi Blanch, Naomi Jones, Timothy Merriken)

Sydney Junction Hotel
Luke Lightenberg
Howard Shearmen
Rebecca Henry
Josh Drinkwater
Mark Duo

Beach Burrito Company
Dunni DJ
Cous Cous and Paspalum
Star Generation and Mango Avenue

Scrubba Body
Jai Jai
Loui Abell
Timberlina

The Rogue Scholar
Emily A Smith
Daniel March
Max De Groot
Hannah Indigo
Raggle Taggle Gypsies

The Kent Hotel
Gen-X
Project X

Dixon Park Surf Life Saving Club
John O'Reilly

The Newy Hotel
Royal Coats, Kids on a Leash, Mango Avenue, J West

5 SAWYERS
Nic Rage
Bobby C
Bree Rusev

Jams Karaoke & Bar
Jay Smith

Friday Night Feast at The Station
Andrew Taylor

Talulah
Hunter Beasley Trio
Georgie Winchester Trio
The Manuel Approach

Newcastle Community Tennis Centre Pty Ltd
Eilan Doyle (Doylo)
L.J. Harvey (Sugargob)

The Base
Renyen, Clair Boe Cousin, ENA, Kodivine, Monique Humphreys.

Racecourse Hotel Wallsend
Dane Fitzsimmons
Loose Lucy
Tom Wootton
Phil McKnight
Honey Duo
Chloe and Alexine

The Olive Tree Market
Earthen Rhythm African Drumming Group, Loui Abell, Hannah Indigo

Queens Wharf Brewery
MAK Duo
Phonic
Kaylens Rain
Downtown the Duo
Audio Collective

The Mark Hotel
Craig Thommo
Mark Lee

The Rum Diary Bar
Phoenix Prichard

Newcastle Surf Life Saving Club
Jamie Martens
Jake Hunt
Eddy Rockefeller