Emma Pritchard More than 2500 artists will perform at 300 plus venues throughout NSW, including the Clarence Valley, as part of an Australian-first music event. Great Southern Nights has been created to kick-start the recovery of the live music, hospitality and tourism industries in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. A NSW Government initiative, Great Southern Nights is also a terrific opportunity for local music lovers and fans to enjoy a highly anticipated night out with live entertainment. Three Clarence Valley venues including the Saraton Theatre in Grafton, Maclean Bowling Club and the Iluka Bowls Club will host several popular musicians with country music stars Beccy Cole, Travis Collins and James Blundell all confirmed to perform along with James Morrison and Tim Freedman, lead vocalist of indie rock band The Whitlams. Country music sweetheart Brooke McClymont of sensational Grafton trio The McClymonts also features on the Great Southern Nights line up. She will perform alongside her husband Adam Eckersley at the Casino RSM Club next month. With tickets for over 900 gigs now on sale, Great Southern Nights aims to support local artists and venues and help the entertainment industry bounce back from Covid-19. Describing the music event as an ambitious initiative, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis is encouraging Clarence Valley residents to show their support by booking tickets to “a gig or two or more.” “It’s fantastic to see the NSW Government supporting artists, roadies, venues, hospitality staff and tourism businesses back to work through Great Southern Nights,” Mr Gulaptis said. Great Southern Nights will officially get underway when the first artists take to the stage on November 5. The event is delivered by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW in partnership with the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). For the complete gig guide and to purchase tickets to see your favourite artists and support Clarence Valley venues, please visit www.greatsouthernnights.com.au