Local Artists Can Register Now To Be Part Of 'Live Spots' Project, Bringing Life to Newcastle Streets

BY SAMUEL BARTLETT

A new initiative aims to brighten up Newcastle business precincts with live performance and entertainment.

The Hamilton Business Improvement Association launched stage one of the Live Spots Project on Thursday, focusing on encouraging new performers post-lockdown.

"It will put on live performances in specific sites all around the city and provide some employment opportunities post-lockdown for artists," Deputy Project Lead Joe Relic says.

Four spots have been chosen for the first stage of the project but more sites are expected to be activated in the future.

The current sites for stage one will be Hamilton's James Street Plaza, Darby Street's Headphone sculpture, Wallsend's Rotunda Park and Victoria Street in Mayfield.

Mr Relic says anyone interested in becoming a part of the initiative can visit the livespots.com.au website.

"Musicians, street performers or even a painting artist who would like to put their hand up to paint a mural at one of the sites, can go to the site to express their interest and register on a data base so we can begin to book you."

"Our ultimate objective is to have dozens of spots across the city that are coordinated to feature a wide range of musicians, genres and styles and work within larger city-wide tourism, events and cultural landscape."

James Street Plaza in Hamilton

Newcastle Music Hub To Receive $350,000 Under Labor

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Creative Arts Space in Hamilton will receive a $350,000 funding injection if Labor forms government on May 18.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon was joined today by NSW Senator Kristina Keneally to announce the funding as part of Labor's $28-million Soundtrack Australia policy.

The funding will be used to create a rehearsal area, live performance space and recording studio, as well as soundproofing and electrical works, upgraded lighting and a stage extension.

Atwea College Executive Director Rowan Cox said the organisation is about filling gaps within the creative scene.

"The Newcastle Music Hub will give young Novocastrians access to professional equipment and give them skills and experience to pursue their musical ambitions.

"The jam spaces and recording studios will be available for young members of the community to book time in. In the recording studio, they will be offered supervision and support by Atwea trainers.

"Atwea also plans to restart Open Mic Nights and Battle of the Bands to create more opportunities for live performances for local artists," Ms Cox said.

The youth creative scene in Newcastle has seen a downturn since the closure of The Loft youth venue in 2014.

Newcastle MP Sharon Claydon said when The Loft closed, it created a gap in the local music scene.

"Live music has long been the lifeblood of Newcastle, but it's getting harder and harder for young people to find the space to hone their skills.

"Atwea will also provide professional musicians who will be on hand to give mentoring, training and support to the next generation of artists and to connect them to Newcastle's music community," Ms Claydon said.

L-R: Sharon Claydon, Grant Walmsley, Rowan Cox and Kristina Keneally.

Noisy Neighbours

Police have praised Groovin the Moo revellers however Maitland residents were not so impressed with the noise levels.

Acts began performing at Maitland Showground around 11am and finished up around 10.30pm.

One residents complained to 2NUR.FM  that he could hear the event from 5 kilometres away.

Inspector Brain Tracy said the event often receives complaints from nearby residents and one of the headline acts did breach the Environment Protection Authority noise levels.

“Later on in the evening, around about 9.30pm one of the headlining acts was on, and the noise was very loud compared to the other acts. So we had our licencing police check with the event organisers… for a short time they were over (the EPA) limits so the music was turned straight down,” Inspector Tracy said.

The event at Maitland show ground attracted more than 16,000 people; police reported only 27 arrests for drug possession.

“We found that the audience was generally over eighteen,” Inspector Tracy said, “for that many people to have very minimal arrests and drug possessions, we were pretty happy with it.”

Police say this year’s festival behaviour  was moderately better than previous years.