(Prior to Social Distancing Measures)
Steph Cooke MP with Young local singer/song-writer Harry Cleverdon – winner of International Song writing Competition – “People’s Voice” for his song “Hit Me When I’m Down”.
Local musicians and live music venues can get involved in a new state-wide music event that will bring 1,000 COVID-safe gigs to regional NSW and Sydney this November.
Great Southern Nights is a NSW Government initiative delivered in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) to support the recovery of the live music, entertainment and hospitality industries.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the event was a welcome antidote to drought, bushfires and COVID-19, giving NSW artists and venues a welcome boost.
“This celebration of outstanding Australian artists and incredible live music venues across NSW gives us all something to look forward to, from event-goers to industry,” Minister Ayres said.
“We’ll be able to get out and see regional NSW and Sydney come to life with some of Australia’s top acts including Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins and Tones and I alongside emerging artists in unexpected places.”
Established, emerging and local Australian artists will present 1,000 gigs, curated by ARIA and an industry advisory committee across a multitude of venues around NSW.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke called on local artists and venues to register their interest to be involved.
“This has been an incredibly difficult time for our regional musicians, so it is fantastic these talented artists can now perform again,” Ms Cooke said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for our region’s many talented performers and venues to register their interest to be a part of such an exciting new event, and I urge them to come forward.”
Among the 20 headline acts to play across the music event are:
· Jimmy Barnes
· Birds of Tokyo
· Missy Higgins
· Paul Kelly
· The Jungle Giants
· Thelma Plum
· The Presets
· Amy Shark
· Tash Sultana
· The Teskey Brothers
· Tones and I
· The Veronicas
Great Southern Nights will culminate with Australia’s premier music industry event, the ARIA Awards, in Sydney.
“We’re proud to create this opportunity for Australian musicians, and help bring back the live music scene right across NSW,” ARIA chief executive officer Dan Rosen said.
“Live music events bring visitors, culture and excitement to communities. This initiative will provide an invaluable boost for the artists, crew, venues and music community that make gigs happen.
Industry research by Music NSW indicates that live music generates approximately $3.6 billion and 23,000 jobs for the NSW economy.
All festival events will be programmed in line with current Government health advice regarding physical distancing and venue capacity of public gatherings.
Venues and artists are invited to submit an expression of interest to be involved in Great Southern Nights – registrations are now open at greatsouthernnights.com.au
