NSW Government announces plan to reignite live music with 1000 gigs

The New South Wales state government has unveiled a plan to revitalise live music in the state with 1000 COVID-safe gigs this November. The initiative, titled Great Southern Nights, is a series of gigs which will be held in many different venues throughout Sydney and wider regional NSW and artists who have already been confirmed to play include Paul Kelly, Tones and I, Missy Higgins, Thelma Plum, The Teskey Brothers, Jimmy Barnes, Birds of Tokyo and more.

With an aim to give "artists a welcome boost and turbocharging live music venues across the state," Great Southern Nights is hoping to "kickstart" the state's live music, entertainment and hospitality industries from November permitting all events follow strict health and safety guidelines.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres, said of the announcement in a press statement, “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."

“We’ll be able to get out and see Sydney and regional NSW come to life[.]"

According to the same press statement, the whopping 1000 gigs have been curated by both ARIA and an industry advisory committee and will take place in many different venues throughout NSW. The event series will then culminate in style with the ARIA Awards themselves in Sydney.

To get involved and register for more info, head here.

Words by Emma Jones

Image by Ophelia Symons for Purple Sneakers

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