What’s On This Week? The Black Keys, Josh Pike & Frocktober

by Alex Connell on October 18, 2012

This week, one of the world’s biggest bands, The Black Keys, bring their new visually-augmented arena show to Newcastle Entertainment Centre; the Central Coast Mariners make the trip up the F3, for what is sure to be another intense A League Derby; and Frocktober brings the festival spirit to the Junction. There’s enough happening this weekend to ensure a few bleary eyes come Monday morning.

Friday, October 19th

The Swellers @ The Cambridge Hotel

Blue-collar, punk rock has seen a rise to prominence in recent years and at the forefront is Michigan’s The Swellers. And now, the quartet is set to return to Australia for the second time this October, coinciding with the 10 year anniversary of the band’s existence.

Over the last decade, The Swellers have taken their hard-edged, yet accessible style of punk to the world stage. The last four of these years have been spent touring non-stop with the likes of Less Than Jake, Set Your Goals, Four Year Strong and A Wilhelm Scream. This touring followed on the back of 2011’s album Good For Me, the third for the band. The diverse sounds on the album have seen them fit onto mixed bills all over the world, and the intensity of their live show has been rapturously received by audiences.

Tickets are $28.60 - available from Moshtix

Afro Moses @ The Great Northern Hotel 

Born in Ghana, Afro Moses hit the charts as a teenager and is labelled as The African James Brown. Later, he was taken to Denmark and had the Danes lapping up his infectious music. From there, he started touring the world and has stunned audiences right across the globe.

He has shared the stage with some incredible artists such as Ziggy Marley, Youssou NDour and many more. A multi-award winner Afro Moses has won awards such as best song, best album, best live act and has been twice voted as Ghanas best international music ambassador in 2000 and 2002.

Afro Moses’ live show is a tasty mix of hot rhythms from across the globe that result in a fusion of modern beats that are guaranteed to get you moving.

Pratfalls @ Watt Space Art Gallery 

Pratfalls is a series of short and comic scenes using movement and text, put together by students of Newcastle University’s Creative & Performing Arts classes. The 60 minute program will be staged from 7pm.

Free entry

Deborah Conway & Willy Zygier @ Lizotte’s

Conway & Zygier continue to explore the breadth of sound that can be extracted from acoustic instruments and vocals. The sound is endlessly inventive within the bounds of real. The songs are about the stuff that makes people furious, miserable, wistful, amused, curious and even occasionally happy. Catch them performing songs an extensive back catalog  alongside some previews of yet to be released work.

Tickets are $44.00 - available from the Lizotte’s website

Cheek to Cheek ft. Chloe Dallimore @ Cardiff Panthers

Chloe Dallimore, award-winning leading lady of Chicago and The Producers, is performing in ‘Cheek to Cheek’. This new show unfolds in a way no one can predict. It features luscious classic numbers, comedy, clever repartee and accompanied by the country’s best musicians. You can expect to hear songs by artists ranging from Marilyn Monroe, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli,Bobby Darin, Barry Manilow and Michael Bublé.

Free entry

The Friday Fire Up @ The Adamstown Club

A night of celebration will be happening at The Adamstown Club on this Friday as part of the build up to the inaugural Fernleigh15 running event.

Fearnley & Jake Lappin, plus Olympian Marty Dent. They will form part of the panel of speakers at the pre-race dinner, along with a selection of local elite runners including Scott Westcott & Kirsten Molloy.The night will celebrate the fantastic recent achievements of our local athletes on a national & international level.

Tickets: $45 - available on the Fire-up website or on the door.

Saturday, October 20th

Gentlemen of the Road @ Dungog Showground, Dungog

The one-day, outdoor event in the historic NSW town is part of a global series of GOTR Stopovers, which debuted in the UK this June. The Gentlemen Of The Road concept was developed by the members of Mumford & Sons, with the band curating the line-up and overseeing the details of the festival themselves.

The band say: “The Gentlemen Of The Road Stopover is based loosely upon our favourite festivals like Colorado’s Telluride Bluegrass and Scotland’s Loopallu Festivals. We want to stop off in towns not usually heavily toured by bands, and celebrate the people, food and music that inhabit them.  We’re keen to promote the town’s local businesses, and we’ll be using the local bars and venues for aftershow parties, whilst working closely with the local people to get everyone involved in making these shows spectacular. There will be a host of our friends playing too, and the vibe falls somewhere between ‘travelling Victorian circus’ and ‘Victorian travelling circus’. It should be a whole lot of fun.”

The event will be headlined by Mumford & Sons, but will also feature: Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, Sarah Blasko, Matt Corby, Husky, Willy Mason & Yacht Club DJs.

Josh Pyke @ Lizotte’s

Josh Pyke is gearing up to play one last run of shows before he heads off into the sunset to write his next album.

Josh’s live show combines hauntingly a beautiful voice and delightful, and often hilarious, stage banter. His guitar, banjo and harmonica made an appearance and he even introduced a new recently acquired instrument into the mix. ‘Only Sparrows’, Josh’s most recently released album, was written on the road and in New York and landed him with three ARIA nominations. This album features the upbeat much-loved single ‘No One Wants A Lover’ and iconic Australian performers such as Katy Steele joined Josh in the recording of harmonic songs like ‘Punch In The Heart’. This album followed on from his Gold selling ARIA award winning albums ‘Memories & Dust’ (2007) and ‘Chimney’s Afire’ (2008). With such success, it is no wonder that Josh is considered one of Australia’s finest modern songwriters.

Tickets: $53.00 available from the Lizotte’s website

Newcastle Jets VS Central Coast Mariners @ Hunter Stadium 

The F3 Derby is one of the fiercest rivalries in the A-League. With both teams coming off the back of wins last week and showing signs of hitting top form - it’s bound to be another hotly contested match.

Kick off at 5.30pm

Tickets are $8 - $35, and can be purchased from Proticket

Anh Do – The Happiest Refugee @ Civic Theatre

Anh Do’s bestselling book The Happiest Refugee has made readers laugh and cry, and was described by Russell Crowe as “the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years.” Anh’s new stage show takes it a step further, combining stand-up comedy with real life stories, photos and filmed pieces to retell his amazing story.

When one of Australia’s most talented comedians delves deep into his own life’s joys and sorrows, the result is an unforgettable night at the theatre that leaves an audience uplifted and quite simply experiencing… happiness.

Tickets are available from the Civic Theatre website

Adult Tickets $49.90,  Conc $44.90

Reggae Got Soul @ Great Northern Hotel (Tiki Bar)

Reggae Got Soul is a musical trip to another time and another place with DJs spinning the best selection of vintage reggae, soul, Motown, northern soul, funk, R&B, MOD, rock & roll, rocksteady and traditional ska, all on vinyl 45s and 33s. As well as the usual DJ lineup, Sydney’s one and only BOSS DJ, Mark Keith Brown, returns to Newcastle.

Free entry

8pm till late

Classic On The Boardwalk @ Honeysuckle Precinct

The Hunter Development Corporation is combining with Livesites to present ‘Classics on the Boardwalk’, which will be held on this Saturday from 10am to 4pm in the Honeysuckle Precinct. An excellent line up of talented local classical will perform live on stage in front of II Grifone Restaurant.

Blues Night @ Orana Hotel

Bad Penny Records are launching Tony Cini’s Blues Explosion Volume 3 CD at the New Orana Hotel, Blacksmiths with two “not to be missed” acts who feature on the Blues Explosion Volume 2 CD: PJ O’Brien Band and Genevieve Chadwick.

Tickets $10 - available from Cardiff Panthers

Sunday, October 21st

The Black Keys @ Newcastle Entertainment Centre

After selling out arenas all through the USA, Canada, UK and Europe and headlining Coachella and Lollapalooza and many other festivals, The Black Keys make their long awaited return to Australia this week.

Their latest (and seventh) album, ‘El Camino’,  is selling truckloads everywhere and its infectious opening track, ‘Lonely Boy’, is a certified global smash hit single and they’ll be bringing all these tracks and more to Australian audiences with their electrifying new live show.

The show features huge visuals from 20 projectors, giant mirror balls, and all the hits from their deep and consistently awesome back catalogue. The transformation of The Black Keys from a 2 piece garage band playing small clubs to being worthy headliners of arenas and festivals could not be more just or complete and proves that the pure combination of good times, great music and grit can still turn to gold.

Tickets are $93.25 - available from Ticketek

Frocktober @ The Junction

This Sunday the streets of The Junction will be closed to play host to all the area’s boutiques and shops - over 70 market stalls in the street.

Fashion parades from The Junction’s best boutiques will take place all day. Check out what everyone will be wearing this season and take advantage of the bargains on offer. The Hunter Valley will be right in the middle of The Junction for the day. Winemakers synonymous with quality and passion will have classic varietals like aged Semillon and Shiraz to try and buy. Live music will feature all day on the main stage will be provided by Twinsanity, the Andy Mammers Trio and the ultra-cool guys from the Ultra Swing Lounge who’ll be giving away free tickets to their upcoming shows. Then bop around to The Junction Hotel’s cocktail hour from 3pm and dance in the street to some smooth grooves from Newcastle’s top DJs.

Monday, October 22nd

$10 Pizzas @ The Burwood Inn

Hidden in the back streets of beach-side Merewether, the Burwood Inn has been a bit of a local secret. Following an extensive renovation, the revitalized Burwood Inn features a brand new a la carte restaurant with a delicious new menu, a new lounge bar and a refurbished front bar. This Monday they’re offering $10 pizzas from their impressive menu.

The Burwood Inn is located at 77 Berner st, Merewether

Tuesday, October 23rd

Funkwit @ The Grand Hotel 

Local 8-piece, Funkwit, take to the stage at the Grand Hotel as part of the Grand’s weekly Jazz night. Funkwit seamlessly blend funk, jazz and latin grooves to create a delicious musical combination ranging from fast hitting sambas to chilled-out funk.

From 8pm

Wednesday, October 24th

The Beards @ Bar On The Hill

The 2012 End of The World (for beardless people) Tour will see the band take their three album back-catalogue of songs about beards The tour will coincide with the launch of The Beards’ new film clip for the song Got Me a Beard, from the album Having a Beard is the New Not Having a Beard.

Supported by Snowdroppers and Kim Churchill

Tickets are $23.50 - available from Oztix

We All Want To @ The Great Northern Hotel 

Boasting members from some of Brisbane’s best-loved bands, WE ALL WANT TO are essential on record and completely undeniable live. Their shows are a primal collision of poppy punk, sweet folk, gritty blues and grandiose soundscapes, swirled into singalong anthems and intimate whispers.

Live & Local @ Lizotte’s

This week’s edition features Ashleigh Mannix, Crooked Saint, Gallieri & Low Flying Hippies.

Thursday, October 25th

Ultra Swing Lounge @ Civic Theatre

Combine a glamourous set, dramatic lighting, the sound of a big swing band, and handsome young crooners attired in dinner suits and you have the recipe for a fabulous night of music.

By popular demand Ultra Swing Lounge returns starring Daniel Stoddart, Steve Hudson and Rob McDougall singing those memorable show stoppers. Add to the mix sequins and flowing gowns worn by the professional ballroom dancers of ‘Dancing with the Stars’ fame – Aric Yegudkin, Masha Belash and others and you’ll be dancing out of the theatre by the end of the show. This professional show can stand tall with the best on Broadway – it’s one not to be missed. Organise a group of friends and BOOK NOW.

Performances

Thur 25 Oct 8pm

Fri 26 Oct 8pm

Sat 27 Oct 2pm & 8pm

Tickets available from the Civic Theatre website

Adult $59

Mix Tape: Remastered @ Civic Playhouse

Pantseat Productions is proud to present Mix Tape: Remastered, the next instalment of the much loved ‘Mix Tape’ Broadway Revue series.

Once again, the creative team at Pantseat have captured the best of what contemporary Broadway has to offer - exciting ensemble songs, heart-warming ballads and biting comedy. Through in the mix striking staging, amazing vocal harmonies and an outstanding cast, and audiences are ensured a fantastic night out.

Mix Tape: Remastered features an outstanding cast - Luke Baker, Peter Bird, Denham Bridges, Lia Bundy, Alexander Foster, Drew Holmes, Daniel Kavanagh, Alison Lobb, Lauren O’Brien, Stephanie Priest, Rachelle Schmidt, Rileigh Schmitzer, Josie Tam, Peter Willis. This brilliant cast of performers will not only dazzle you with their harmonies, they will impress with slick staging and energetic performances.

Performances

Thursday 25 Oct 8.00pm

Friday 26 Oct 8.00pm

Saturday 27 Oct 8.00pm

Tickets are available from the Civic Playhouse website

Adult $26.85

Conc/Junior $21.85