Friday nights are live

Punters can now literally face the music at Petersham’s Clarence Hotel, with the introduction of live music every Friday night.
“Friday Night Live is about seeing something different — different entertainers, different styles of music,” Clarence co-owner Stuart Fraser said.
“It could be a guitarist who sings a few songs and tells a few stories, or a big group with a pianist, a couple of guitars and five singers — we want it as diverse as we can.”
To give punters a taste of that diversity, the Clarence put on a showcase premiere on Friday, with performers J-Bear, the Momma Bears, Sandy Bottom, and sneak peeks of upcoming acts No Dice and Lady Sings It Better.
Each of these performers will get to star in their own Friday night special in the coming months but in the meantime the Clarence is looking for talent — regardless of the stage of an artist’s career.
“We’ll look at anyone who may be interested,” Fraser said.
“There are great up-and-coming artists out there who haven’t had a stage offered to them yet, and for those just starting out, four times a year we’re going to do an open mike night.
“All people have to do is submit a disc to us, and the ones who make it through could find themselves invited to play a third of a live night. We’re giving newcomers an opportunity here.”
Fraser advised people not to be put off if their act is a mixture of GLBT and straight, or even if they’re the only initial in the band.
“We’re looking for a real mix of acts. As long as you’re GLBT-friendly, we’re open to anything.”
This Friday will be the turn of local act No Dice, who have been described as having a Seekers sound, but with a whopping five singers in the band, expect something eclectic.

info: Interested acts can contact Stuart on [email protected]