IT has been three years since promoter MICK NEWTON made moves to provide more live music for the over-40s.
Newton created an event named A DAY ON THE GREEN with the intention of providing older music fans with the opportunity to see some of their favourite acts in a festival- style environment.
Tagged as `the BIG DAY OUT for grown-ups', A Day On the Green has become one of the most successful outdoor music events in Australia.
Since making its debut at Victoria's MORNING STAR ESTATE in 2001, A Day On the Green has brought a host of Australia's most popular artists to the stage along with some of the biggest names on the international scene.
JACKSON BROWNE and TIM FINN have shared the stage with Australian artists like PAUL KELLY, THE WHITLAMS, WENDY MATTHEWS and RICHARD CLAPTON.
When A Day On the Green presents its fourth show in the Hunter Valley next month, it will be an exclusive show headlined by the legendary BEACH BOYS.
The iconic US act will bring the spirit of the Californian lifestyle to A Day On the Green on October 4.
In previous years, the event has taken place at wineries around the valley but it will make its debut at HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS next month to celebrate the official opening of the new attraction.
Newton believes that the show has been so successful simply because he has filled a void that has been empty for many years.
``I used to be an agent for bands and I thought that there weren't a lot of packaged entertainment opportunities for a lot of the older bands,'' Newton said.
``There was a need for the older acts to go to an older audience outside the usual theatre, pub or club.
``We thought that a winery would be the best place to present the show because you can bring food and wine and you can sit there with friends and watch some great bands.
'' Although Newton said he was co ident of the event's success, he didn't quite anticipate the response.
``I knew people would flock to it and now we're three years down the track it has just been so successful that we have shows in every state.
'' Newton said that he expects the Beach Boys show will sell out and believes that a strong line- up of Australian support acts will also draw plenty of interest.
Joining the Beach Boys will be VICTOR MARTINEZ and THE MARTINEZ BROTHERS, THE ATLANTICS and JAMES REYNE.
The former AUSTRALIAN CRAWL frontman is one of the many Australian artists who has happily returned to the stage at A Day On the Green year after year.
Reyne estimates that he has performed at the event at least 10 times and believes it has a lot to offer.
``It's a beautiful afternoon on the grass among great surroundings and really good people and there is always a really nice atmosphere,'' Reyne said.
``It's just a really great day for people of all ages and is a very attractive proposition you want to have a nice afternoon.
'' A Day On the Green also brought Reyne to the Hunter when he supported Jackson Browne at BIMBADGEN ESTATE WINERY in February 2003.
As well as music, A Day On the Green will offer superb Hunter Valley wines and food from a variety of outlets such as HARRIGAN'S IRISH PUB, SEASONS RESTAURANT and LAZZARRINIS.
The event is fully licensed and punters are encouraged to bring a deck chair or picnic rugs.
Limited parking is available on site but coach transport is available to Hunter Valley Gardens through ROVER COACHES on 1800-801-012 and PORT STEPHENS COACHES on 4982-2940.
Tickets are on sale from TICKETEK on 4921-2121, Hunter Valley Gardens on 4998-7600, Rover Coaches and Port Stephens Coaches.
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