Ex-Catfish and The Bottlemen Star to Help Launch City Centre Music Venue with Epic 'Battle of the Bands'
Jonathan 'Bondy' Bond – formerly of the platinum album award-winning band Catfish and The Bottlemen - will be in Newcastle this Friday as a judge for the free to enter 'Road to Hardwick' battle of the bands competition to help mark the official launch of the city's latest music venue, Newgate Social.
Based in The Gate 'Newgate Social' - formerly The WonderBar – is a brand new 450 capacity venue in the city and will kick-start its live music programme this weekend with a live competition of emerging North East music overseen by a panel of expert industry judges.
The panels will include the likes of Bondy, Generator national music agency chairman David Haley, BBC radio presenter Shaak, the female led events company Marisam and a whole host of high profile names from the music sector.
The winner of the 'Road to Hardwick' competition, which will see a series of heats being played out over the coming months and starting on Friday 19th April, will result in the winner bagging a main stage spot at Hardwick Festival, the North East's biggest music gathering as well as a whole host of other perks including a free recording session at a leading music studio and a press and PR campaign from industry pros.
Friday's first heat will feature an all female line-up which will include some of the North East's most promising young stars including the Amy Winehouse inspired Jenny Dean, rock n roll outfit Pretty Velvet, singer-songwriter Tilly Lockey and the Boston-born MTV star, Sabrina Kennedy.
Speaking ahead of today's new venue reveal and Friday's Road to Hardwick launch Bondy, who now fronts a new band called The Safest Place, said: “I can't wait for Friday. I'm looking forward to seeing the new venue and checking out some great acts. The Road to Hardwick is a great idea and I'm pleased Newgate Social and Hardwick Festival is supporting new music in a positive way. I've never been a judge before, so it'll be a new and exciting experience for me.”
The female-led Tyneside events company Marisam continued: "We're super excited to be involved in the Road To Hardwick gig series. Supporting local emerging musicians is what Marisam does best, and we can't wait to see the variety of talent the North East has to offer as they battle to reach the Hardwick Festival main stage this Summer!"
Building on Newcastle's strong musical heritage, Newgate Social is the latest live destination to launch on Tyneside.
Positioned just a stone's throw from the old Mayfair Ballroom (which famously played host to music icons such as Led Zeppelin, Queen, Kylie Minogue and U2 ) in the heart of the city centre, the new venue hopes to forge a lasting legacy in the region.
Modern, safe, and ambitious, Newgate Social has been established for musicians by musicians.
A spokesperson for the venue added: “We can't wait to get the ball-rolling at our new venue this weekend and The Road to Hardwick is the perfect place to start.
“We are calling on ambitious agents, bands and promoters to connect with us and create memories that will last forever.
“From showcasing grassroots artists and the underground to providing a stage for established touring acts, we are open for business and open to new ideas.”
The Road to Hardwick launches at Newgate Social in The Gate this Friday 19th April with further heats taking place throughout the summer.
For more information and to snap up free tickets VISIT THIS LINK.
