January 20th, 2023A date for the diary: Newstead Live

At last, a return to live music over this traditional, albeit slightly early Australia Day long weekend from Friday, January 20 to Monday, January 23.

This festival has been running for over 20 years, originating in Chewton. It is best described as a folk-roots festival, where a range of diverse international and national artists perform in live music venues, concert spaces, workshops, impromptu sessions, spoken word performances and open-mic sessions over three days and nights.
There are plenty of local venues including The Troubadour Live Music Venue based on Andrew Pattison’s acoustic music venue in Melbourne in the late 70s and early 80s. The venue honours the tradition of this venue, where acts reflect Andrew’s artistic vision. The Newstead Community Centre has the festival reception based in the foyer and the main hall is the prime concert venue of the festival.
For the rest of the year Lilliput is the town’s kindergarten. It features children’s shows in the mornings, and is a popular spot for more intimate performances in the afternoons. Shedshaker Stage & Bar bring its portable bar to Newstead Park, next to The Men’s Shed, largely a blackboard concert venue. Meanwhile, the Anglican church is where you can immerse yourself in the acoustic sound in this tiny country church while the Enviroshop is the refurbished workshop of an old service station, where you will find music workshops. Finally, Live ‘n’ Local stage is a free stage showcasing local artists of all ages from around the region.
Some of the many 2023 performers include We Mavericks, Kate Wilson, Enda Kenny, Kerryn Fields Rich Davies & the Low Road, Michael Waugh, pictured above, Ado Barker, Alana Wilkinson, Anna Smyrk, Apolline, Bruce Watson, Cat Canteri, Dan Duggan, Dingo’s Breakfast, Ernest Aines, Evan and Mischa, Gee Whiz Kidz, Great Aunt, Ian Bland, Joshua Batten, Justin Bernasconi, Kathyrn Clements, Liz Frencham, Lloyd Dodsworth, Loz Irwin-Ray, Mandy Connell, Mariah McCarthy, Mast Gully Fellers, Matt Glass, Peter Anderson, Red Raven, Rhiz and the Sugarplums, Sarah & Silas, Skiffle Party, The Blenders, The Ugly Uncles and Tuck Shop Ladies.
Playing times and artist bios are available on the festival website. Punters can buy a range of day passes or full weekend tickets.
Words: Darren Lowe | Image: Contributed