BEAT BENDER is an immersive sound and art extravaganza. This musical feast will feature invited headline acts and local artists for a weekend-only musical affair.

First round of announced headline artists include Kira Puru and Phil Smart & Girl Friday of ColourSound on Saturday 13th August & Bandaluzia Flamenco with Bobby Singh on Sunday 14th August.

A true Novocastrian success story, Kira Puru toured nationally with her band Kira Puru and The Bruise before moving to Melbourne in 2013 to begin a solo career. Since then she has collaborated with some of Australia’s most prolific artists such as Paul Kelly, Illy, Paul Mac and Urthboy. The past year has seen her tour Australia with Paul Kelly’s Merri Soul Sessions.

This will be Kira’s first show in Newcastle with her solo act.

Phil Smart & Girl Friday have been integral forces to the creation of alternate dance night COLOURSOUND. Proudly bringing styles of electronic dance music not often heard in Newcastle, Phil Smart & Girl Friday have worked hard to create a late night community of high caliber.  Phil has enjoyed a prolific career playing international festivals in the U.S, Berlin and London.On Sunday afternoon Bandaluzia Flamenco with ARIA award winner Bobby Singh will woo audiences with their powerful performances, unique sound and explosive displays of dazzling musicianship and virtuosity that has made them a great success at festivals and theatres across Australia.

Bandaluzia are highly revered for their ability to mix elements of other genres into their performances, such as Jazz, the exotic melodies of the Orient or the infectious rhythms of South America all blended with the grace of Flamenco.

Thrown in with these internationally recogonised musicians are over 20 Hunter-based artists that will feature over the duration of the weekend including musicians, performers, DJ’s, installations, video & sounds artists.

BEAT BENDER is the second annual ‘bender’ to take place at The Lock-Up and follows the hugely successful ART BENDER in 2015.These weekend-only events create an opportunity for Hunter-based artists to sit on a national platform as part of The Lock-Up’s artistic program.

WHICH DAY?

Each day will treat audiences to a diverse collection of creative works combining visual & sonic elements as never before seen in Newcastle. Saturday night will move audiences through an explosion of atmospheric sounds towards an upbeat, party vibe. Whereas Sunday will be more chilled out, acoustic and suitable for all ages.

Early bird tickets

ON SALE NOW! Limited tix available. We recommend booking early!

Early Bird Prices: 

6PM – 11.00PM