Get Back to Where we Once Belonged

As we go to print, I have just arrived home from Tamworth, in the week that would normally have hosted Australia's largest country music festival. Despite the fact that the festival itself was called off this year like so many other things because of the dreaded COVID, there were artists that decided to go ahead with smaller but safe shows so we could still enjoy the live music that we love.

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We have all been forced to adjust and if there is one thing that can be said about Australian artists, they know how to roll with the punches. Tamworth felt like a possible return to what counts as normal these days with Chris Watson Travel putting on several shows including Tamworth's Biggest Country BBQ – a songwriters show featuring Lyn Bowtell, Ashleigh Dallas, INXS's Andrew Farriss and Luke O'Shae on a day Luke would go on to win two Golden Guitars for his new album, There in the Ochre and for his song Australia Day with music legend Kevin Bennett. With the current climate what it is, promoters should be applauded for taking the risk to put on shows. A huge thank you to Chris Watson for taking that leap.

The Golden Guitar Awards were hosted by Newcastle's own Catherine Britt and Melbourne local Andrew Swift, both of whom also had shows in Tamworth that week. With people from all over the country gathered in one spot it made me think about the fact that Australia is now having to get used to watching live music in the form that is actually my preferred way; in an intimate setting.

There are plenty of things coming up in Newcastle that you can watch this way. Kicking things off in February with Phil Stack (from Thirsty Merc) at Lizotte's on February 4.

In demand Australian bassist Phil Stack is a rare breed of artist who seamlessly crosses genres from jazz to rock, achieving equal amounts of recognition and success in both. A force of nature on the double bass, Stack attacks the instrument with an energy, vigour and an unparalleled passion. He has performed and recorded with the who’s who of the music industry including being James Morrison’s mainstay bassist of choice since 1997 and touring around the world – including 6 European tours.

In 2002 he and Rai Thistlethwayte formed rock band Thirsty Merc, going on to record and produce multi-platinum selling albums and receiving ARIA Nominations for the group. Thirsty Merc still tour extensively. Stack has also performed with Branford Marsalis, Wynton Marsalis, Mark Murphy, Tommy Emmanuel, Lalo Shifrin, Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithwaite, Michael Buble, Troy Cassar Daley, Tina Arena, Seal, Delta Goodrem, Keith Urban, Benji Madden and more.

Phil is also a singer songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, releasing Lap Around The Sun in 2015 and his solo debut full length album Colourful, Noisy was released in 2020.

Lizotte's is also hosting some huge names over the next few months including Anthony Callea, Paul McDermott and Gatesy, Wendy Matthews, Richard Clapton, Diesel, Amy Vee, INXS's Andrew Farriss, Jeff Martin (Tea Party) and Tim Freedman (The Whitlams) to name just a few. Check out the website to see how you can have a safe and sensational night out.

There is also a glimpse of Summer festivals starting to appear with Sunset Sounds and Red Hot Summer Tour both with strong Australian lineups scheduled for Roche Estate in March and October this year respectively. And don’t forget Midnight Oil at Hope Estate on March 13.

For those music lovers craving a return to those big international bands hitting our shores, you might not have to wait as long as you think with Under the Southern Stars rescheduled date happening at Camp Shortland, Newcastle on May 1. Limited tickets are available and will go on sale on February 1. For information on the sensational lineup head to www.underthesouthernstars.com.au. This will hopefully be the beginning of getting back to the live music that we love.

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