Sydney’s Hollywood Quarter precinct in Surry Hills is set to transform into a haven for music lovers with the introduction of the Great Southern Nights Gig Trail from 4pm on Saturday 23 March 2024. Supported by the Office of the 24-Hour Economy Commissioner’s Uptown program, the curated walk invites music fans to embark on a free live music journey as street-lights shine down on performances at a range of nearby venues.
Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “Activating the much-loved venues and streets of Sydney’s Hollywood Quarter will create a vibrant musical haven in the heart of Surry Hills.”
“Through programs like Great Southern Nights we are invigorating precincts to deliver world-class cultural experiences that showcase NSW’s creative sector and give businesses the confidence to invest. We want to see music, entertainment and culture out on the footpaths, creating energy and encouraging people to embrace our nightlife.”
With each venue offering a unique music and dining experience, participants will be entertained as they head towards gigs at Ace Hotel Sydney, The Soda Factory, Alberto’s Lounge, The Burdekin, Golden Age Cinema & Bar, Hollywood Hotel, Hotel Harry, Butter and Paramount House Hotel. A band featuring some of Sydney’s most renowned musicians will play in the rich troubadour tradition along Foster St, exploring multi-cultural genres and entertaining diners and passers-by. Sprinkled around the wider footprint of the Gig Trail will be buskers of all ages and experience who have been given the opportunity to play to the crowd.
Music Curator Trevor Brown, drawing from experiences playing in Italy, France and Eastern Europe, says you can expect to find music in surprising places and “get ready to explore the back alleys, nooks and crannies of the Hollywood Precinct. The musicians around Foster and Commonwealth St will be playing rich, cultural, street music from Europe, South America and Africa. “Think Moroccan, New Orleans jazz, Haitian, French, Italian, African music blends. Expect us to mix and match with unexpected combinations, and some exciting musical processions” says Brown.
TROUBADOURS (Roving Musicians)
• Trevor Brown - Baritone Sax/Clarinet
• Adam Burrell – Trumpet
• Nick Wishart – Alto Sax
• Mary Hart - Cello/Bass
• Ben Fink - Banjo/Guitar
• Phillipe Wittwer - Accordion
• Rob Laurie - Drums/Percussion
In addition to music gigs inside and outside, Hollywood Quarter offers some of the best dining experiences in the city with al-fresco diners in prime position to be entertained by outdoor musicians. Food and drink offers in the precinct range from casual, to cocktail snacks to some of Sydney’s best 5 star dining.
According to NSW 24-Hour Economy Commissioner Michael Rodrigues “The partnership between Hollywood Quarter and Great Southern Nights is an excellent example of how Uptown districts can activate larger events to amplify live music, increase patronage and enhance their precinct’s night-time economy."
“This is the first time the festival has partnered with an Uptown precinct, and I look forward to seeing Hollywood Quarter transformed into a live music destination as they put their district on the map for locals and visitors across Sydney and beyond, with nine venues hosting events and roving entertainment throughout the night.”
IN-VENUE GIGS AT HQ SYDNEY
• Ace Hotel Sydney: Charlie Villas and Fried Pork Chop (6pm - midnight)
• Alberto’s Lounge: Fritto Disco Speciale starring Kirin J Callinan (lunch)
• Burdekin Hotel: Kingdom Calm ft Burkina Flats & Bakura (7pm - 10pm)
• Butter: Cherryrype, Grebel, Izzybops, LXGCY (9pm - midnight)
• Golden Age Cinema & Bar: Tasman Keith (10pm - 1am)
• Harry’s: Refuge Recording presents SilverStix (7pm - 3am)
• Hollywood Hotel: The Zoe K Experience (New Orleans Edition) (7pm - 1am)
• Paramount House Hotel: Jono Ma (5pm - 8pm)
• Soda Factory: Soda’s House of Fun ft DJ Nino Brown & Friends (7pm - 4am)
With a mix of pubs, restaurants and bars hosting live music - add to that some of the best hospitality in Sydney - you’re really spoiled for choice when it comes to a good night out at HQ Sydney.
FOOD & DRINK SPECIALS
• Alberto’s: Lunch special, 2 course + wine $45. 12-5pm featuring special guest songman Kirin J
Callinan
• Beau: Snacks on Fracks 4pm to 6pm. Enjoy Happy Hour perched at the bar or in the laneway
• Butter: 3 Crispy Chicken Wings & Tiger Beer $20
• Gilda’s: Open from 5.30pm for a pre-show meal. Or a drink with snacks. Walk-ins welcome!
• Kiln: Late night snack menu plus dDJ tunes to entertain you up on 18th floor with views for miles
• Nel Restaurant: Join Nelly on a delicious Australian degustation journey
• Pellegrino 2000: Dine al-fresco, be entertained by the troubadours, and be transported to Italy!
• Poly: “Apolytivo” delicious drinks and food at 'happy hour' prices! Only on Saturday 23rd. From 5pm -
6pm
• The Rover: Happy Hour from 4-6pm, $2 Oysters, $6 Beers, $6 G&Ts, $10 Wine, and a $14 Spritz.
Dinner reservations from 5pm
• Nomad: Feast al-fresco and be entertained by the troubadours. Book an outside table now.
• Tio’s: Sit outside on Foster St, Nachos, Live Tunes and $12 Margarita Specials (till sold out)
Sydney’s Hollywood Quarter precinct in Surry Hills Great Southern Nights Gig Trail starts from 4pm on
Saturday 23 March 2024. For more information please go to https://www.hqsydney.com