SOAK: Live at the Baths made a truly historic splash over the weekend, transforming Newcastle’s beloved Ocean Baths into a one-of-a-kind concert venue for its inaugural series of free sunset performances.
Curated by Tim Levinson aka Urthboy with assistance from Matt Field and Katerina Skoumbas, Saturday night saw homegrown heroes dust return to Newcastle fresh from a massive UK and European tour with Interpol.
The post-punk quintet gave locals a special preview of their forthcoming album due out on 10 October, with fellow Newcastle outfit Limo setting the tone as the fierce all-femme opener.
Be sure to check out the featurette from the night by rhys.dot.tv and Maeve Smith if you couldn’t be there.
With the entire venue packed with locals and visitors, it showcased the raw, authentic energy that makes Newcastle’s music scene a national head turner.
Sunday evening offered something completely different but equally iconic. Tom Thum, the world-renowned beatboxer described as having “an orchestra living in his throat,” joined forces with DOBBY, the award-winning rapper and drummer, acclaimed jazz artist Freyja Garbett, and soundscape artist Diana Chester.
The group combined hip-hop, jazz, and beatboxing in an exclusive New Annual collaboration that delivered a strong call to arms to protect our planet, featuring the next gen of climate protectors, Youth Rising.
Both shows highlighted what makes SOAK such a craved and unique addition to Newcastle’s cultural calendar, the chance to experience world-class performances in an intimate setting that embraces the city’s coastal identity.
The celebrations aren’t stopping there. SOAK will continue this weekend with more free sunset performances at the Baths as part of New Annual, promising further unforgettable moments at the edge of the sea.
If you would like to see this iconic series happen again, it’s literally in the palm of your hand. Please let council know by completing this survey.
SOAK: Live at the Baths is free to attend, with performances running from 5:30pm to 6:30pm across New Annual. For full program details, visit the City of Newcastle’s New Annual website.
