Hundreds of Aussie musicians commit to huge COVID-safe music festival in November

2020 has been a tough year for live music –– the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown resulted in thousands of concerts being cancelled, and musicians are struggling.

However a new initiative, called Great Southern Nights, created by the NSW government, will see live music returning to cities across the state in November.

Artists like Jimmy Barnes, The Veronicas, Tones and I, Shannon Noll, Amy Shark, Matt Corby and Kasey Chambers are all on board for the music event, which will comprise over 900 gigs. The concerts will all be COVID-safe.

More than 2,500 artists and 300-plus live music venues across NSW have signed on, with the hope that the concerts will help re-invigorate the live music, hospitality and tourism industries.

"NSW will come alive with great Australian music in November with gigs taking place in many of the state's greatest music venues, pubs, bars, bowling clubs and wineries," said Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres.

"The NSW Government is proud to be getting artists, roadies, venues, hospitality staff and tourism businesses back to work through this ambitious initiative and now it's over to the public to show their support by booking tickets to a gig or two, or more."

Lime Cordiale, Jessica Mauboy, Vera Blue, Hoodoo Gurus and Ruel will join the feature artist line-up, along with iconic acts Troy Cassar-Daley, The Angels, Thirsty Merc and Kate Ceberano.

ARIA CEO Dan Rosen says the Great Southern Nights program is extremely important for the music industry.

"Great Southern Nights is an innovative and effective way of getting artists back on stages safely and ensuring money starts flowing back through the live-music ecosystem - to artists, venues, agents, tour managers and sound and lighting-crews.

Tickets are on sale now.

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