What’s On In Newcastle? Darren Percival, Big Brother Auditions & Steamfest

by Leah Henkel on April 11, 2013

Here is your jam-packed What’s On Guide for Newcastle this week! Darren Percival will make audiences swoon at Lizotte’s, Big Brother is on the hunt for some new housemates at Newcastle Panthers, Civic Theatre gets a Russian makeover with OperaMania + stacks more on offer.

Friday 12th April

Extreme + special guest Richie Kotzen @ Newcastle Panthers

90’s rock giants Extreme are touring Australia this month with special guest guitar virtuoso Richie Kotzen. Having risen to fame in the 80’s and 90’s selling over 10 million albums, these heavy hitting rockers know how to show their proficiency and collective mastery of hook laden rock. Being joined by Richie Kotzen will make this show even more worthwhile to see, who has his own acclaimed releases as well as texturing notable acts such as Poison and Mr Big. Any fans of this group as well as general music lovers will love these guys live. 18+ event. Doors open 8pm for 8.30pm start. Pre-sale $79.90+bf Standing. Call 4926 6200 for information and ticket purchases.

French Fridays @ Tower Cinemas

Want a night out that looks like a night in? Get a bit of culture in you with French Fridays brought to you by the Alliance Francaise de Newcastle and Newcastle Film Society. Featuring pastries, wine and cheese prior and during the film screening, see some French films that have never been released in Australia before. Tonight is the first night of five French indulgence nights with “Tout ce qui brille” (All that Glitters), a comedy that follows Ely and Lila, friends that share everything and together dream of another life. Living in a suburban area, ten minutes by metro from Paris, these two girls will do anything to enter this world that isn’t theirs. Doors open 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start. Single ticket: $10, Pass: $40, Alliance Francaise member, single concession ticket: $7, Alliance Francaise member, concession pass: $40.

Tough Dog Tuff Truck Challenge @ Milbrodale, Hunter Valley

Want to spend a weekend in the Hunter Valley? Head on up to Milbrodale for this ultimate 4WD competition. The creme-dela-creme for 4WD enthusiasts, 65 teams will be pitted against each other over this three-day competition ending 14th April. To keep the kids happy there are plenty of activities such as rock climbing, face painting, dodgem cars, jellybean guessing, and a mini-bungee along with heaps of exhibitor and food stalls for mum and dad. Camping facilities are available with amenities included. Child passes start from $20, Adult passes from $40 and Kids under 11 get in free. For further information and to purchase your tickets visit Tuff Trucks. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate.

Saturday 13th April

Maitland Toyota Hunter Valley Steamfest @ Maitland Railway Station

The Hunter Valley Steamfest arrives for another year of train fun! Held today and tomorrow, this exciting event is for both young and old. From a Pirates and Princesses Kids Party Train, a stroud road trip to the Great Train Race on Sunday, there is plenty to do and see. Check out the Hunter Valley Steamfest’s website for full details and tickets or call (02) 4931 2877 for a ‘steaming’ weekend!

Proud Mary - Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute @ Lizotte’s Restaurant

Back by popular demand, this must-see show features the internationally renowned ex rhythm section from the 90s platinum recording act the Baby Animals. Throw in two of Western Australia’s most talented young musos and you have a top-notch live band and one of the best CCR tribute bands you will ever see. These guys are so in tune with the original music, they will impress any true fan.

Main meal and show - $85.00

Show only with bar menu available - $43.00

Book your tickets through the Lizotte’s website.

Power[House] + Electric Love Affair + Nick Connors @ Great Northern Hotel

The names alone are enough to tell you that this will be one kick-ass party! Starting at 9pm and with Free Entry, the Great Northern is the place to be for those wishing to let their hair down and cut loose this Saturday night.

Long Island Sound + Sincerely, Grizzly + Dead Owls + Bigger Cages @ Cambridge Hotel

Head in to the Cambo to hear some bands will eclectic names to go with their eclectic sound. Hear some of Long Island Sound’s new stuff from their second EP to be released soon, as well as the cool tunes from Adelaide’s Sincerely, Grizzly, Perth’s Dead Owls and local band Bigger Cages. 18+ event. Doors open 8pm. $8 on the door.

Sunday 14th April

Country’s Coming to the Coast @ Queens Wharf Brewery

McAlister Kemp will be joined by The Viper Creek Band and Adam Eckersley Band to rock Queens Wharf Brewery in classic Country style! With entry free before 5pm and a cover charge of $10 from 5pm onwards, don your cowboy hats and flanno shirts for an all-out guitar blazin’ night on the Harbour! Call (02) 4929 6333 or check out the Brewery website for more details.

Lazy Sunday Lunch with Darren Percival @ Lizotte’s Restaurant

The Voice is back on TV so why not reminisce about last season by seeing the loveable and entertaining Darren Percival up close and personal. Paying tribute to Ray Charles, this man of soul will have you clicking your fingers long after the night has ended.

Two-course meal and show - $97.00

Show only with bar menu available - $39.00

Book your must-have tickets through Lizotte’s.

OperaMania @ Civic Theatre

For the very first time in Australia, Russia’s finest opera singers will be wowing audiences with their show OperaMania. If Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Bellini, Puccini, Bizet, Verdi, Rossini and Johan Strauss are more to your musical taste, the Moscow Novaya Opera will celebrate these composers through highlighting some of the most loved operas of all time. A 44-piece symphony orchestra will support four classical ballet dancers and ten dynamic soloists, impressing the hardest critics and delighting newbies to the opera scene. Playing two shows - 3pm and 7.30pm. Adult A Reserve - $125, B Reserve - $92. Get your tickets through Ticketek.

Monday 15th April

Newcastle Outdoor Ice Rink @ Wheeler Place 

It’s school holidays so you know what that means? Occupy the kids before they drive you nuts! Start the holidays in European-style with the temporary outdoor ice rink at Wheelers Place. Open until 12th May, try your hand at ice skating like you have never experienced it before. Open 10am – 9.30pm daily. Adults $22, Children & Students $17, Family (2 adults/2 children or 1 adult/3 children) $65. Visit Ice Australia for more information and discount vouchers.

Tuesday 16th April

Big Brother Auditions @ Newcastle Panthers

Fancy yourself the next housemate to take out the top prize? To be in it to win it, head in to the Newcastle Panthers for your chance to meet the producers! Register online first then show up on the day to prove why you should be in the Big Brother house. Work during the day? Don’t fret, because the extended hours of 11am-7pm means you won’t miss out on getting your chance to shine. For more information and links to register, visit the Newcastle Panthers website.

Wednesday 17th April

Dubarray @ Great Northern Hotel

This electro dub outfit will have you dancing to their fusion of house, trance, drum and bass, trip-hop and dub reggae grooves. Recently releasing their debut album “Ebb & Flow”, Dubarray’s inspired sound from the likes of Delerium and St. Germain is setting a benchmark for a fresh sound in electro music. The dancefloor will certainly be pumping tonight. Cost and Doors Open TBC.

Thursday 18th April

Grinspoon @ Newcastle Panthers

See one of Australia’s most loved live rock bands perform on their “Black Rabbits” tour to promote their seventh album. Doors open 8pm for an 8.30pm start. Jim Beam Honey Party Crew will be getting the party started from 7pm. 18+ event. Standing only. Pre-sale+bf $33.00. Purchase tickets through MoshTix.

Art Bazaar Cruise Market @ Newcastle Museum

Organised by the Hunter Arts Network (HAN), this cruise market coincides with the Radiance of the Seas Cruise Ship docking at Newcastle. Locals and visitors are welcome to browse, with some of the regions most talented artists showcasing their work. With original handcrafted goods  from artists, designers, jewellers and craft people from across the Hunter, support our local talent and bag a bargain! Market is being held outside Newcastle Museum, Workshop Way, Newcastle, under the awnings, 9am – 3pm. For more information, visit the Art Bazaar website.