The NSW Government is amping up the State’s live music scene with hundreds of gigs to be held in March and April 2022, and Central Coast venues are being offered a chance to benefit.
Following its hugely successful debut in 2020, the NSW Government’s Great Southern Nights initiative will again create jobs and revenue for artists, venues and crew, with shows to be held from 18 March to 10 April 2022.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch is urging local venues to capitalise on the opportunity.
“This is a chance for live music venues to receive NSW Government funding and support to host gigs. There were 23 Great Southern Nights gigs on the Central Coast in 2020 and I want to ensure we receive our fair share again,” Mr Crouch said.
“Not only does live music create business for local venues and contractors, it brings people together and lifts the spirits of everyone involved, which is incredibly important given the challenges we are all facing.”
ARIA-award winner Amy Shark, Yolngu rapper Baker Boy, Jessica Mauboy, Jimmy Barnes, Missy Higgins and Peking Duk are the first artists to be confirmed for Great Southern Nights in 2022. Emerging talent and grassroots acts will also be featured.
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said Great Southern Nights would be welcomed by industry and music lovers alike following another challenging year of COVID-19 restrictions.
“Last year more than 75,000 tickets were sold for 1,100-plus gigs at over 300 venues, and we know the appetite is there to get out and enjoy live music in Sydney and regional NSW which is why we must continue our vaccination efforts in coming weeks and months,” Mr Ayres said.
“Great Southern Nights was designed with COVID-safety in mind, supporting shows of all sizes, in all kinds of live music venues, and giving industry a leg up to get back to work.”
Live music venues are invited to submit an expression of interest to host a Great Southern Nights gig at: www.greatsouthernnights.com.au.