When it comes to live music and going out at night, NSW is in crisis. Formerly vibrant nightlife zones are wastelands. Young bands no longer have places in which to gain experience. With the demise of venues comes the inevitable closure of restaurants, shops and cultural venues. While other cities enjoy a thriving night-time economy, Sydney is on the way to becoming a retirement village for young people.
You can help by coming to Unite for the Night, an evening of live music and comedy at the Metro with all proceeds going to drive positive change for Sydney’s night time economy and live music scene. Josh Pyke will perform, his first live appearance in quite some time. Folktonica star Gordi will be playing, as well as local art pop quartet I Know Leopard, erstwhile Eskimo Joe frontman Kav Temperley, and future soul singer-songwriter Wallace (just announced).
Nightlife in Sydney is not just about live music, however. Appearing on the night will be a lineup of hot standup comedians including Matt Okine, Mel Buttle, Tom Ballard and Cameron James. All the performers are donating their time for the cause, and more acts will be announced in coming days.
Tickets are $50 plus booking fee and are on sale now.
The gig and any proceeds raised will be used to pressure the major parties to commit to strong night time economy and music policies in the leadup to the 2019 NSW State Election on March 23. The #UnitefortheNight website has an Election Report Card comparing the different political parties' policies:
Unite for the Night has been organised by the Night Time Industries Association, a lobby group aiming to promote Sydney as a vibrant and creative city and to build a new positive narrative for Sydney’s nightlife. Time Out Australia is a proud member of the NTIA, and our managing director, Mike Rodrigues, also happens to be the NTIA's Chair.