Micro music festival to bring tunes to Darby Street
05 Mar 2018
A teen singer-songwriter, a pop-music harpist and a posse of local DJs will be among the stars of a Darby Street micro music festival set to ignite Newcastle's live music scene.
Lord Mayor of Newcastle Nuatali Nelmes said the intimate settings of Darby Street Live, to be held Saturday 24 March, would showcase the fantastic talent of the city's live musicians.
"Newcastle has always been known for its vibrant live music scene and we are determined for this to continue," she said.
"This festival is all about creating great sounds in small spaces, and the range of artists in the line-up means there is something for everyone."
The Lord Mayor said independent stores, bars and shops along Darby Street would play host to various local acts.
Venues include fashion stores Abicus, Ramjet and Betty Mim, Cooks Hill Books & Records, Monella Gelato Bar, the Natural Tucker supermarket and licensed premises 5 Sawyers and The Hop Factory.
The laneway between Canton Story and Jean Bas will also come alive with the sounds of live music.
Festival organiser Kian West said a number of local arts and culture groups were involved in the event.
They include the No-Fi Collective, NIMA, Boys Don't Cry and the Sad Grrls Club.
"As an eternal optimist, I feel like there is a lot of opportunity currently to shift the way the local community interacts and accesses live music," Mr West said.
"Culture isn't a stagnant pond."
The festival's schedule has been designed to attract people to Darby Street, catch some free entertainment and wander through the precinct's many incredible cafes, shops and bars.
"If you love Newcastle you should make the effort to stop in and support the event because that’s what it is all about," Mr West said.
The festival, jointly funded by Newcastle City Council and the NSW Government's Live Music Office, will run 2pm-8pm.
Confirmed Artists include:
| Artist | Description |
|---|---|
| Paris Grace | 16-year-old singer-songwriter and joint winner of the inaugural Tip Jar competition in 2017 |
| Gillian Redmond | Pop-folk solo harpist |
| Jye Sharp | Singer and performer whose repertoire includes guitar, drums, didgeridoo, piano and bass |
| FRITZ | Stage name for indie/noise-pop singer-songwriter Tilly Murphy, featured by Triple J's Unearthed program |
| Benn Allsop | Pop singer-songwriter and joint winner of 2017 Tip Jar competition |
| E4444E | Solo electronic musician |
| Skivvy Season | Bittersweet pop outfit |
| Dawn Laird | Beats and rhymes artist inspired by Erykah Badu, Tori Amos and Jimi Hendrix, among others |
| Talakai | Hip-hop artist and MC making waves in Newcastle and Sydney |
| Bravo Victor | Part-jazz, part-pop, part RnB duo Jono Burgess and Sophie Aked |
| Jacquie Lomas | Independent hip-hop artist known for her outspoken lyrics and eccentric style |
| Eastside Grammar | Hip-hop blues duo writing and performing together since 2015 |
| Jackets | Maitland-based rapper |
| Pep-C | Hip-hop artist |
| DJs Mac Da Villain, Lowblow and Pureblonde | Newcastle DJs spinning a variety of tunes |
| Cygan Groove | Gypsy jazz artist |
| Banjo Beats | Duo Dan Huish and Louisa Magrics, performing on banjo and drums |
| Amos & Emily | Indie electronic/synthpop duo |
| Cherry Stain | Reggae rock rap band |
| Shrimp | Garbage funk outfit |
| Looseleaf IV | Teenage indie rock band |
| Wavevom | Surf punk/garage rock duo consisting of Jed Kirbyshire and Jack Clark |
| Milkmans Daughter | Folk music with a tinge of sadness and a touch of heat |
| Georgie Rose | Solo artist exploring blues and country sounds anchored in soul |
