Local Newtown legends Young Henrys and Waywards, The Bank have announced the return of live music to Waywards, with five ‘Best Served Loud’ gigs. Kicking off from Friday, October 23rd, the iconic venue will host five shows across five weeks, with a genre-spanning bill showcasing the best of local acts. Tickets will be $10 with all proceeds going towards Support Act.
The gigs mark the first live shows at Waywards since lockdown and allow the audience to experience their favourite bands unlike ever before, in an intimate setting with two sessions serving both early birds and night owls.
Waywards Venue Manager Amanda Verratti says: “It’s what we’ve been waiting for, we are SO excited to be hosting live shows again. We’ve finally found a perfect balance for bringing live music back in to our venue, while also keeping it safe for the crowd, performers & staff. Hosting live, local music is a part of who we are and we are thrilled to be partnering with Young Henrys to make these shows happen”.
Maintaining a vibrant live scene is something that both Young Henrys and Waywards hold dearly to their hearts, it is steeped in their bones. These five Best Served Loud gigs support the local musicians who have been unable to play live music in a while and restore their ability to interact with their fans on stage.
Young Henrys Director Richard Adamson says: “Artists have been hit hard and it’s high time we got back out and celebrated the joys of live music, now with added comforts. We have brought together a diverse bunch of mates old and new you can enjoy early or late, in your own safe space. It’s the best of both worlds, and all for a great cause”.
The first gig on Friday, October 23 will be a dedicated night to punk with headliners The Dead Love. The Sydney-based, self-proclaimed “shitty grunge” lords will be joined by the raucous energy that is Eat Your Heart Out.
Headlining the second gig and bringing her hypnotic indie pop sounds is ILUKA. The Australian singer/songwriter is known for her thrilling intimate performances and pop-edge songs. Supporting on the night will be Sydney duo Salarymen, who perfectly combine vintage and modern influences to create their own brand of indie pop.
Charlie Collins will headline the third show on Friday, 6 November. Influenced by Johnny Cash and Mazzy Star, Collins will be playing tracks from her debut and 2019-nominated Best Country Album, Snowpine. Supporting on the night will be emerging indie-folk star and local legend, Ruben Neeson.
Charlie says: “The stage is my home and I’m excited to return back to it. I got super homesick and now I’m ready to settle back in and redecorate with new musical furniture. Not to mention all proceeds are going to Support Act, which supports our asses and is building a better and stronger future for musicians”.
The talented and charismatic performer, CITIZEN KAY will head up the hip hop night on November 13. Having shared the stage with some of the best, including Ice Cube, Public Enemy and Earl Sweatshirt, CITIZEN KAY is set to attract an energetic crowd in the intimate seated setting. Ms Thandi will be supporting on the night, an independent, R&B singer/songwriter whose soulful and sensual sound has dominated the Sydney soundwaves.
Closing the series on the final Friday will be the local punk outfit Totally Unicorn, who have made a name for themselves with their uncompromising live shows and fierce sound. Joining on the night will be local indie punk band Good Pash.
Tickets for each gig will be available three weeks ahead of that show, with all proceeds going to Support Act – Australia’s only charity delivering crisis relief services to artists, crew and music workers who have had their ability to work impacted. With the music industry one of the hardest hit by coronavirus, Support Act remains resilient and stands with those who need it the most.
Amanda Verratti adds “The music industry and all those involved in it have gone through one hell of a year. Support Act have been there every step of the way for people in the industry and we want to help them continue their great work. With live shows trickling back into venues throughout Sydney, here’s hoping live music is here to stay!”
Young Henrys and Waywards ‘Best Served Loud’ gig series at Waywards, The Bank from October 23–November 20. With only 50 tickets for each intimate gig, tickets will sell out fast.