Join us for our inaugural music event for Grow a Star on 7th February 2025 at Pier Ninety Seven (formerly Peibri Place) down on the waterfront in Wickham!

The headline act for this very first music extravaganza is the fabulous Magpie Diaries!

In a world where art and culture play a vital role in shaping our society, the live music industry stands as a powerful force for community engagement, artistic expression, and economic growth. However, many talented young people, especially from disadvantaged backgrounds, face barriers to entering and thriving in this vibrant industry. Your support can change that.

Magpie Diaries will be supported by a selection of young musicians from across the region as we aim to showcase their rising talent, alongside these experienced and very talented performers.

TICKET PRICES ARE $50.00 WHICH INCLUDE A DRINK ON ARRIVAL AND CANAPES!

HEADLINE ACT

Magpie Diaries

Magpie Diaries is the songwriting project of Matt ‘Magpie’ Johnston.

Coming to life in 2008 to help with the grieving of a close friend, this solo songwriting project soon became a band and eventually would go on to release their first EP in 2015 followed by an album in 2018 along with various singles, including the ethereal ‘Go Anywhere’ (2021) and latest rollicking single ‘Old Road’ in 2024.

The original music they create lives in the folk soul country rock world and is inspired by legacy acts like Neil Young, Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson and Van Morrison.

Magpie is also the founder of Dashville, the venue and event promotions team behind the iconic Gum Ball and Dashville Skyline festivals. The venue being his family property in Lower Belford, Hunter Valley, Dashville celebrates 20 years’ service to the community in 2024. In his own words, “It’s a grass roots cultural enterprise, embracing, connecting and inspiring a community through music, arts and events”.

As they work towards their next album release slated for early 2025, Magpie Diaries is very much a dedicated vocation and a release mechanism for a captive powerful heart.

SUPPORT ACTS

Symphony Riley
Hunter School of Performing Arts student, Symphony Riley will be one of our support acts. A featured vocalist in Star Struck for the last 4 years, Symphony performed in the 40 Years of School Spectacular with her tribute to Tina Turner's "Simply the Best". She also received a CONDA in 2023 for Best Supporting Role in the HSPA Legally Blonde production. After participating in the Gumball Young Gums program in 2023, Symphony has been delighting audiences across the community with her soulful songwriting. You won't want to miss this performance, she's an absolute star!

ABOUT GROW A STAR

We aim to raise $20,000.00 at this inaugural event, which will go directly to our Grow a Star program, a unique youth mentoring and scholarship program that helps young people from disadvantaged backgrounds overcome the financial obstacles that are preventing them from following their dreams.

This first of its kind program was initiated by Home in Place in 2012. Since its launch, the program has assisted hundreds of people to pursue their academic, artistic and sporting goals at grassroots and representative levels.

It is open to any young person between the ages of 10 -18, engaged in education, training or employment who can demonstrate a need for assistance.

We believe that encouraging generational change through empowering young people, has far reaching, long-term, positive effects with the community.

Get your tickets today and help us change the lives of young people in our region today!

Your support will be helping not only to revive and sustain the live music scene but also to offer young people from underprivileged communities the opportunity to pursue their passions, develop essential skills, and contribute to a brighter, more inclusive future.

Ticket price includes a drink on arrival and canapes.

SPONSORS

Melody Sponsor - Hall & Wilcox

Contact the host of Sound Check 2025!

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