Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys have been kicking the dust off their heels since 2015. This has led them beyond the borders of their home county (Inner-West Sydney), around Australia and on two tours to the US. On top of their own sold-out shows in Sydney and Melbourne over the last couple of years they have also appeared at numerous Festivals including Boogie Festival, Meadow Fest, Festival of the Sun, Out On The Weekend, Ninchfest, Riverboats and Tamworth Country Music Festival.

The band released their debut album “Late Night Essentials” at the end of 2020. The record was named Album of the Week on FBi Radio and 2SER and, following a launch tour in 2021, they were named Best Live Act in NSW at the National Live Music Awards. In Australia they have also supported the likes of Orville Peck, The Nude Party, Tony Joe White, Hurray For The Riff Raff and The Felice Brothers.

2023 has shaped up to be a big year with the band hitting the road with Texan blues and Americana artist Charley Crockett on his first Australian tour at shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Following that will be the release of the second Caitlin Harnett & the Pony Boys album with an extensive tour behind it. Get ready once again to dance, laugh, cry, hear the unfiltered Caitlin stories first-hand and experience the joy in the room at one of their gigs. Giddy Up!a

“Her voice is like Mazzy Star’s Hope Sandoval was jerked out of a long sleep.” The Guardian

“Lush, Americana-style folk tunes, jangling guitar and a whole lot of honesty.”Sydney Morning Herald

“It’s quintessential Caitlin Harnett, vocals that soar with heart and hold the same sense of intimacy as the greats, all set against a backdrop of modern Americana.” NME

“Harnett wants to make you smile; she doesn’t want you to cry in your beer, but rather slam it down and and boogie.”Newcastle Herald

“In particular circles around Sydney the name Caitlin Harnett is spoken in revered tongues, like the whispered password to a music scene Illuminati. Learn the handshake, feel the twang and order a round.” Dave Ruby Howe, Triple J

Caitlin Harnett & The Pony Boys w/ Sienna Smith & Ella Day

Hatchling blends the raw emotion of folk, the cathartic energy of blues rock and the distinct lyrical flair of western Americana. The music is emotionally charged, often stemming from a confessional yet confrontational alter ego and draws influence from the likes of Lana Del Rey, Wolf Alice, Fleetwood Mac, Jade Bird, Gillian Welch, Mazzy Star.

While Hatchling forms deeply personal narratives in her songwriting, the concepts become relatable through clever lyricism, juxtaposing strength and vulnerability, capturing her consistent journey of self-exploration and growth as a being.

Following the release of her self-titled debut EP in 2022, Hatchling released her debut album ‘Dress-Ups’ in 2026 to growing acclaim, backed by consistent local and national radio support including Triple J and Unearthed. The project was celebrated with a sold out album launch at the Sneaky Possum, alongside multiple sold out Sydney headline and single launch shows at venues including Buddy’s, Trocadero Room and The Vic on the Park. Hatchling is set to take ‘Dress-Ups’ on an East Coast Australian tour in October 2026.

Hatchling w/ The Sweat Heaps - FREE ENTRY

Blunt Cactus is a fresh new band out of Newcastle combining the talents of four local singer writers who take turns trading various roles from fronting to drumming within the band. With a contemporary sound running the gamut from The Eagles to Mac Dimarco and with four different vocalists there’s something for everyone

Blunt Cactus 'Halloween Show' - FREE ENTRY

beastmode presents the first ever HOUSE OF PAIN! Feel The Pain are taking over the Stag & Hunter to celebrate one of the best nights of the year (Halloween).

Featuring an Orc raid from Canberra, Peace Ritual from Sydney / Melbourne, Adelaide’s Twist of Fate and local new blood Tiamat playing their second show.

Costumes are non-negotiable, don’t make Darcey upset.

HOUSE OF PAIN: Feel The Pain and friends (18+)

Australia! I am overjoyed to present to you the ‘Heartsong Hideout Regional run’, a mini regional tour we have been planning for ‘Heartsong’s release week at the end of October. Me and my guitar are hitting the road to celebrate the release of the new record with you all in person. There will be vinyls, merch, and even VIP soundchecks for these little shows so I can still play some deep cuts ahead of the main set. This tour is heavily inspired by the magic of the ‘Liminal Space’ shows, a handful of secret, tiny fan shows that I played in June of last year. They were so special, warm and joyous - a little safe haven, or hideout if you will! They left me feeling so connected to you, and inspired to go into this next musical chapter. Playing smaller, more intimate shows feels very much aligned with how this record feels to listen to, so be sure to grab your tickets and I will see you at the hideout! I can’t wait x

VIP Meet & Greet Session: 5:30pm

GA Door Time: 6:30pm

Gretta Ray - Heartsong Hideout Regional Run

The Merewether Fats' Blues Jam has been running on the first Thursday of each month for over 10 years. The night is a celebration of Blues, roots and folk musical styles. Founded by Mark ‘Merewether Fats’ Salter the blues jam has become a hub for the music community, young, young at heart, musicians of all levels and most importantly music fans. It’s strictly blues music and Fats had very stringent guidelines on what blues is. The main condition is that it came from the soul of the player. The night usually kicks off at 7:30pm with an introductory set from Fat’s house band to set the tone. From there it’s open to all for about 3 songs at a time. We try to cultivate a wide variety of artists to play acoustic and delta styles, Chicago shuffles, Detroit boogies, Bo Diddley rhythms and it just gets deeper. Jammers can play solo, duo or as an ensemble. They can borrow the house band and however, there’s plenty of great players to to pick up a band on the night. Singers, harmonica players, keyboardists, drummers, bass players, guitar players… even banjo players. We get first time performers and seasoned veterans, sometimes on stage at the same time sharing a passion for blues. Mark ‘Merewether Fats’ Salter passed away in 2016 and the community will continue to champion this part of his legacy in classic blues brothers style. To make sure it’s accessible to future generations and get people hooked on the rhythm of the human condition. As Fats would always say ‘…blues is sad music that makes you feel good.’ By the way, no pedals, bring your instrument and a lead (tuner helps). Amps and kit on stage, say g'day to the guys in the house band on the night to get your name on the run sheet."

Merewether Fats' Blues Jam

Holly Wild is a Sydney-based indie pop artist whose rising profile spans TV sync, major label collaborations, and international production partnerships. Her music has been featured on Paramount TV, Netflix, and she has worked with producer David Arkwright (James Arthur, Teddy Swims, Katelyn Tarver); and recently collaborated with Australian ARIA chart-topper Jolyon Petch.

Her debut album Fire (2024) blends folk-pop sensibility with indie pop-rock. Confessional, melodic, and built for a live room. Honest storytelling and a distinctive vocal tone make her sets immediately captivating, and her natural charisma translates to audiences of any size.

A sophomore album arrives in 2026, with new singles already in the world. Live, Holly fronts a tight four-piece that has headlined Sydney venues including Mary's Underground and Lazybones Lounge. She also creates her own events under the name The Wild Room — pop-up shows that bring together a mix of local artists for an evening built around community and discovery.

Holly Wild & Dani El-Rassi - Co-Headline

Indie folk-pop singer-songwriter Summer Rain is bringing her first East Coast Tour to Newcastle this November, taking over the Stag & Hunter for a night of live music alongside Claudi and Cormac Grant.

Following the release of her debut EP The Version Of Me You Knew, a sold-out headline show and opening for The Temper Trap, Summer is hitting the road with her band and bringing her music to audiences across the East Coast.

After spending the European summer travelling, writing and performing overseas, Summer is back home and taking her live show on the road for the first time.

Joining her at the Stag & Hunter are Claudi and Cormac Grant, making it a stacked night of emerging Australian music.

Come down, bring your friends and be part of Summer Rain’s first East Coast Tour 💛

CANCELLED - Summer Rain 'East Coast' Tour w/ Claudi & Cormac Grant - FREE ENTRY

From recital halls to speakeasy bars and grunge pubs, Georgie Jones has earned her stripes the traditional way- on stage, mic in hand, heart on sleeve. With a sound that’s unique, versatile and timeless, Jones has lent her voice to various major projects, including backing vocals for Stevie Nicks on the Elvis film soundtrack.

Jones is more than just a serious set of pipes. As deemed by Henry Wagons, she’s a heavyweight songwriter, known for crafting songs that cut deep and linger long. Her sound blends alt-country, vintage soul, and emotionally charged pop—honest, raw, and impossible to ignore.

Whether she’s delivering a slow-burning ballad or a spine tingling banger, Georgie Jones doesn’t just perform, she commands. This siren won’t just catch your ear, she’ll capture your soul.

Georgie Jones w/ Jono B. Smith

Jamie Hay & Liam White return to Newcastle after a successful national tour earlier this year supporting their new record "Sunset Months". It's quite the task getting Jamie & Liam (as well as their Mandolin / Acoustic Guitar accompanist Mark Jennings) in the room together with all members being spread between Newcastle, Hobart & Melbourne. When they do get together however, it's an elevated experience of Hay's songs, definitely a set not to miss if you like folk songs with grit and heart. They play the Stag & Hunter on Saturday November 14th and they've put together a line up of local legends Dave Wells - a master of honest and beautiful folk/rock tunes, There’s no question that Wells’ storytelling tackles grand themes, situations and characters that speak to the very essence of our shared humanity, always painted in succinct empathetic strokes. It takes a musical talent with the range and depth of Wells’ to do such stories justice. Demi Mitchell writes with soft grit. Known for songs that never shy away from the dark, she pairs understated arrangements and unforced honesty with a voice that holds both tenderness and intensity. Last but not at all least is Chris Wash & The Gibberish Collective whose songs are delivered like a good yarn at the bar. Biting sarcasm and attitude that cannot be ignored set to catchy folk / punk tunes.

Jamie Hay & Liam White w/ Dave Wells, Demi Mitchell & Chris Wash and the Gibberish Collective

Kyle Lionhart returns with his most honest chapter yet.

Following a career built from busking the streets and beaches of Byron Bay to sold-out headline tours across Australia and Europe, Kyle Lionhart returns with his brand-new single ‘I’m Doing Fine’ (out September 17th) and a national headline tour to match.

With more than 150 million streams worldwide, over 15,000 independent physical sales, sold-out tours, and performances alongside Xavier Rudd, Niall Horan and Foy Vance, as well as appearances at Splendour In The Grass and Bluesfest, Lionhart has carved out a reputation as one of Australia’s most compelling live singer-songwriters.

‘Drawing from folk, soul, americana and indie rock, Kyle’s music has long been compared to artists such as Ben Harper, Matt Corby and Jeff Buckley — combining earthy acoustic songwriting with soaring vocals, groove and an unmistakably Australian sense of place.

But it’s on stage where Kyle really comes alive.

His shows are intimate one moment and completely explosive the next — weaving storytelling, humour, raw emotion and huge singalongs into a performance that feels less like watching a concert and more like being part of something.

From a Byron Bay busker drawing crowds in the hundreds to an international touring artist, ‘I’m Doing Fine’ marks the next chapter in the Kyle Lionhart story.

Come along, sing loud, laugh a little, feel a lot — and maybe convince yourself that, yeah… you’re doing fine.

CANCELLED - Kyle Lionhart  'I'm Doing Fine' Tour

Bennetts Grove, Sydney Post-Punk outfit, are celebrating the release of their establishing self-titled EP, Bennetts Grove.

After a huge year of new music, shows and growth, Bennetts Grove are bringing their latest chapter to The Stag & Hunter for one special night on Saturday 21st November 2026. The new EP sees the band exploring a range of emotional themes and hypotheticals, from questions of mortality and uncertainty to reflections on the past, relationships and the strange moments in between.

Blending abrasive post-punk energy with warm, melodic moments, Bennetts Grove captures a band continuing to find their sound; loud, vulnerable, chaotic and occasionally beautiful.

Come celebrate the release with us as we play the EP live, alongside a stacked lineup of friends and some special surprises to be announced soon!

Stag & Hunter Hotel