Hey, NSW Venues! Wanna Host Gigs For Jimmy Barnes, Tash Sultana, Paul Kelly & More?

If you operate a venue in NSW now’s your chance to host one hell of a gig, with applications for Great Southern Nights now open.

A NSW Government initiative in partnership with ARIA, the major state-wide event this November will see 1,000 COVID-safe gigs take across the state, with a star-studded cast already itching to hit the stage.

Headliners already confirmed include Jimmy Barnes, Paul Kelly, Tones & I, Tash Sultana, Thelma Plum, Missy Higgins, The Presets, The Teskey Brothers, Birds Of Tokyo, Amy Shark and more.

“The response to Great Southern Nights has been overwhelmingly positive,” Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres said.

“It’s clear that this game-changing event will have a huge impact on many industries which is why we want 50 per cent of gigs to be in regional NSW and the other half in greater Sydney.

"We had more than 700 venues register interest to be involved, so we hope all of these and more apply to be in the program to showcase their area and local talent.

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“There’s no more authentic experience than celebrating Australian music in a country pub, local bar or beachfront club. This is what Great Southern Nights is all about – bringing people together in a safe way to enjoy our signature hospitality, awesome talent and the unique communities across Sydney and regional NSW.”

ARIA CEO Dan Rosen added: “There are so many amazing live music venues and Australian artists that are ready to reconnect with music fans and bring entertainment back to the people.

“We’ve been busy curating a world-class program of headline shows, and now we need the enthusiasm and intel from local communities to push this program to a whole new level, celebrating the true breadth and depth of great Aussie music."

Venues from Tamworth to Tumbarumba, Byron Bay to Bermagui and more who have previously hosted gigs can apply now until August 14, and will be able to suggest talent for their space in the process.

Successful applicants will also receive financial support to help put on the gig.

For more details and to apply, click here.