A pair of ARIA Award winners will showcase their musical skills at a free pop-up concert, Changing Tides, in Maitland this weekend.
Alternative rock artist Dan Sultan (8pm) and soulful singer-songwriter Alex Lloyd (6pm) are each scheduled to perform a 90-minute set from a floating stage on the Hunter River on Saturday 13 January.
Meanwhile, local acts CJ Stranger, Ben Leece and The Left of the Dial, and Johnston City round out the roster on Friday evening.
Ever since Sultan delivered his debut album, Homemade Biscuits, in 2006 at the age of 22, music lovers from all walks of life have found a home in his ability to bare his longings and his wounds, his rich voice spilling all sorts of guts and glory over memorable rock, roots and blues hooks.
At the 2010 ARIA Awards, he won Best Male Artist and Best Blues & Roots Album for his second offering, Get Out While You Can.
Four years later, he collected Best Rock Album for Blackbird, which reached number four on the ARIA Albums Chart.
In 2017, Sultan’s record Killer was nominated for three plaudits: Best Male Artist, Best Rock Album and Best Independent Release.
Lloyd, on the other hand, is no stranger to success either.
Four of his albums, Black the Sun, Watching Angels Mend, Distant Light and Alex Lloyd, released between 1999 and 2005, made the Top 10 on the ARIA charts.
He’s captured Best Male Artist on three occasions, too.
In 2001, Lloyd released Amazing, which became his best performing single, peaking within the Top 20 in Australia and being certified gold.
It was also voted in at number 1 on the Triple J Hottest 100.
At the 2002 APRA Music Awards, Amazing won Single of the Year.
An offshoot of Maitland City Council’s popular LIVE at The Levee format, Changing Tides is a free, all-ages event, so no tickets are required.
“Punters are encouraged to rock up early, grab a spot on the riverbank and get ready for relaxing, summery vibes,” events team leader Kara Stonestreet said.
“We’re thrilled to bring back Changing Tides this weekend, especially after the success of the last year’s pilot.
“This time around, we’ve expanded the scope and scale – music lovers are in for a real treat.
“The best part is, it’s free.
“What better way to enjoy a summer evening than sitting back and taking in some great tunes from
homegrown Aussie acts, right here in the centre of Maitland, with the Hunter River as our beautiful backdrop?”
Food trucks will be on site offering dinner and drink options, in addition to the local restaurants and cafes that line The Levee.
For further information, visit www.thelevee.com.au/live-at-the-levee
For more entertainment stories:
- Legendary promoter keen to bring more big-name acts to Newy
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- Twilight bringing summer vibes to Singleton
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