The first of more than 1000 COVID-safe gigs for the Australian-first event Great Southern Nights gets underway tonight, kicking off a month of live music across Sydney and New South Wales.

Over 200 gigs spanning all genres are scheduled for the opening weekend alone, bringing NSW to life through live music, rebooting the state's entertainment, hospitality and tourism industries.

Great Southern Nights is a NSW Government initiative delivered by its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA).

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said tens of thousands of music-lovers would be kick-starting the NSW economy by supporting gigs in coming weeks.

“There has been overwhelming support for Great Southern Nights from artists, venues, industry and fans, so November is shaping up to be a huge celebration of Australian music in every corner of NSW,” Minister Ayres said.

“Half our feature artist gigs have sold out, but there is still plenty of opportunity to see outstanding live music from some of Australia's most-loved and up-and-coming artists.

“I encourage everyone to check the gig guide and enjoy a COVID-safe night out in Sydney or the regions, to show support for musicians, roadies and businesses across NSW. Let's get this show on the road!”

Legendary Australian band Hoodoo Gurus is performing on opening night, playing at Max Watts at the Entertainment Quarter, Sydney.

“We're the first cab off the rank. We're really excited to be able to play a live gig, and play these new songs we've been working on,” Front man Dave Faulkner said.

Lime Cordiale, Jaguar Jonze and Wendy Matthews also take to the stage this weekend, while Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, Jimmy Barnes, The Screaming Jets and Vera Blue are among the more than 2,500 artists in the program.

Great Southern Nights takes place at 300+ venues across Greater Sydney and more than 130 NSW towns and cities from Dubbo to Deniliquin, Lithgow to Lismore, Terrey Hills to Tathra and more.

ARIA CEO Dan Rosen said the diversity of the program showcased the depth and breadth of Australia's music industry.

“To have so many incredible artists – from the legends to those on the rise – playing in pubs, clubs, theatres and wineries around NSW is a landmark moment for Australian music,” Mr Rosen said.

“Great Southern Nights will change how we think about live music in a COVID-safe environment, and is an important opportunity for our industry to show our resilience and agility.”

• See the gig guide and buy tickets at greatsouthernnights.com.au
• Media materials are available at com/GreatSouthernNights

For all media enquiries please contact:

Destination NSW Publicist | Abbie Wheeler

E: abbie.wheeler@dnsw.com.au M: (+61) 439 003 042

About Destination NSW

Destination NSW is the lead NSW Government agency for the State's tourism and major events industry and is responsible for devising and implementing strategies to grow the State's visitor economy. Our particular focus is driving tourism and acquiring and developing major sporting and cultural events for Sydney and regional NSW. In addition, Destination NSW is the major investor in Business Events Sydney with the aim of securing more international conventions, incentive travel reward programs, corporate events and exhibitions.

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