Hawks Nest Plaza springs into life with Open Mic Nite Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - November 30, 2023 The long-lost concept image of Hawks Nest Plaza. DREAMS came closer to reality as the Hawks Nest Plaza, on Booner Street, saw its first ‘Open Mic Nite’ on Saturday, 25 November from 3pm. As reported in NOTA back in April this year, the Hawks Nest Plaza has long-forgotten plans that could have made the space a busy centre of activity. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Facilitated by Café Providence, the ‘Open Mic Nite’, was a refreshing look at the Plaza being used as it was intended to be: a pleasant, family- and pet-friendly space in the middle of the Hawks Nest commercial zone. Several live acts mustered the nerve to perform in public, including talented locals Leon Bobako and Chipper, both singing and playing acoustic guitar. A special performance was the teenage trio of Lindy, Leilani and Samia, tentatively named ‘the Quackheads’, who hailed from across the Bay and Newcastle. The girls come from a larger group of ten budding musicians, all in the same music class at high school, with whom they have performed at Newcastle Civic Theatre’s ‘Diosounds’ concerts, and even won a few ‘battle of the bands’ competitions along the way. The trio made their public debut in a non-school related gig, covering several songs from their inspirations, including Jeff Buckley’s ‘Hallelujah’, and a particularly touching delivery of The Beatles’ ‘Let It Be’. With clear talent and a confidence-boost, these three young ladies will be going places. Lead guitarist Leilani said, “It was fun and we like people to listen,” while Lindy mentioned, “When you go on, you’re fine, but the nerves come once I start singing,” although her voice did justice to Paul McCartney. Acoustic guitarist Samia said, “Just try not to care that you’re being watched.” It was a mellow afternoon, and many canine companions could also enjoy (and join) the show, with diamante-studded ‘Nims the Needy’, making plenty of new friends. “We want to do it again next week, make this a regular thing,” Café Providence’s Kaili Kitchen told NOTA. By Thomas O’KEEFE The Plaza came strides closer to the vision on Saturday afternoon. Leon played and sang some classic favourites. Chipper showed deep talent. The teenage trio ‘Quackheads’: singer Lindy, Samia on acoustic guitar and Leilani on lead guitar. Pooch prince upon the Plaza, Nims the Needy.
