After what seems like an eternity, top quality tunes will be emanating from the beer garden of Maitland cultural icon The Grand Junction Hotel again this weekend.
And they couldn’t have picked a better act to resume the festivities with local legend and no fooling human jukebox Ngariki bringing his formidable set of pipes to the Junkyard stage on Sunday 19 July from 3.30pm.
If you’ve not checked out Ngariki before you’re in for a real treat and his performance marks the start of a new Junkyard beer garden session dubbed Your Sunday Best.
Following Ngariki on Sunday 26 July will be ex-pat Novocastrian songwriter Zoe K who is winging her way back from her adopted New Orleans home for what promises to be one hell of a set.
If that wasn’t enough, country soul crooner James Thomson will be putting in his Sunday best on Sunday 2 August while Todd “Teej” Johnston will round out the first month of gigs with a little help from some surprise special guests on Sunday 9 August.
Announcing the resumption of tunes on social media this week Junkyard management described their Sunday beer garden sessions as a freat arvo out for all.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is a perfect family arvo,” the post said,
“Have a drink and a feed and buy some gear off the musos. We’re all in the same boat, doing our best to stay afloat in stormy seas, and every little bit helps as we try with every fibre of our beings to keep this magic thing we’ve got cooking on a slow simmer until we can return to a rapid boil.”
“COVID-19 protocols, including strict rules about social distancing, crowd numbers and remaining seated at all times unless visiting the bar, must be observed to the letter to ensure we can build on the first month of Your Sunday Best and get back to the glory years that made the Junkyard a hallowed name in Australian live music for the best part of 25 years.
“It has never been more important to suck it up and do the right thing. We know you’ll do us proud.”
All Your Sunday Best gigs will run in the Junkyard Beer Garden from 3.30pm to 6pm. Head here for more info.
