Thanks to everyone who spent time with us at Maitland Gaol yesterday for Elsewhere, The Lock-up. Here’s our wrap-up of the event, complete with an extensive photo gallery from Craig at Swamphouse Photography.
The first Elsewhere event held in March earlier this year certainly set the bar for live music experiences in Newcastle and the Hunter. With a line-up of outstanding performers set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Newcastle coastline on a brilliant Autumn day, the inaugural Elsewhere event left many punters asking for more… And they got it at yesterday’s event.
Local ‘Gin-soaked’ folk artist, De’May opened with a set that was the perfect Apéritif for the second instalment of Elsewhere. Delicate songs, with raw and emotional lyrics that were highly appreciated by the early crowd.
As more people found their way into the gaol, the smell of Newy Burger Co creations started to fill the mess hall. We have to say their Mc Elsewhere creation was a big hit with the crew.
As the Six String Brewing Co beers flowed, Hunter Valley favourites, The Soorleys took to the stage. This band continue to go from strength to strength. Every time we see them live we love them more. The angelic Beth Gleeson’s voice rang through the jail during their early afternoon set and there wasn’t a toe in the ‘big house’ that wasn’t tapping.
Hayden Calnin was next to take to the stage for what the Elsewhere crowd has affectionately called, ‘the dinner set’. With a voice you could swim in, Hayden made his way through a set of introspective songs that were just perfect to accompany the Doughheads Doughnut creations that started to appear in the crowd by the end of his set. We have to say the Jail Bird and the Chilli Chicken doughnuts were more than we ever could imagine and will have people taking for days to come.
Thelma Plum‘s early evening set started out very subdued but quickly moved morphed into the atmospheric beat party we’ve all come to love. An enigmatic performer with a band of skilled musos and lush sounds.
The highlight of The Basics’ set had to be their cover of ACDC classic Jail Break. These boys take no shit. Up until their set, the crowd had been seated, but after a good talking to from the boys most moved down the front for a to groove to the band’s highly danceable songs.
From the minute Josh Pyke took to the stage it was obvious how much his fans adore him. A solo set with skilful looping and stompbox, Josh took requests, joked with the audience and sang an impromptu version of the Destiny’s Child hit, Say My Name (Double J to the Mother Fucking P).
And then it was time to go home and dream of the next Elsewhere.
Where will they go this time?
