Lismore is about to experience an exciting cultural transformation with the launch of Revive Live in the Lismore Quadrangle (the Quad).

An Australian Government initiative, Revive Live is a new, outdoor, free live music program that promises to bring an exciting lineup of musicians to the Quad from April 2025 to March 2026.

Revive Live features four series, each designed to showcase the incredible talent of regional and First Nations artists. These include Echo Locator, Our Backyard, BLAKyard Music, and Sound Lab.

Echo Locator is curated by Holiday Maker Records, a Saturday afternoon program once each season. Holiday Maker Records is an Australian record label formed in a caravan in the Gold Coast Hinterland in 2020. The label represents artists such as Donny Love, Family Jordan, JB Paterson, and many more.

Our Backyard is a legacy program for Lismore. The series showcases local musical talent monthly on Thursdays after the Lismore Produce Market.

BLAKyard Music is curated by Mitch King, a proud Yaegl and Widjabul Wia-bul man from the Bundjalung Nation. This series celebrates the rich talent of First Nations artists across the region monthly on Friday evenings.

Sound Lab is an experimental music program at Lismore Regional Gallery taking place within the Gallery alongside select exhibitions.

Revive Live is about more than just entertainment. It’s a vision for resilience and growth, aiming to attract diverse audiences, bolster tourism, and provide vital opportunities for local musicians.

By prioritising inclusivity, the program seeks to empower underrepresented voices, including First Nations artists, women, LGBTQIA+ creatives, and people with disabilities or from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

As a performing artist and creative producer, Mitch King is excited to curate BLAKyard Music and sees it as an opportunity to showcase a talented range of First Nations music artists within Bundjalung and neighbouring nations. He looks forward to working with artists to “share their passion for music and storytelling through a platform that will support First Nations musicians in being more recognised within the Northern Rivers music scene.”

Holiday Maker Records share a similar excitement for Echo Locator: “We are honoured to have this opportunity to dream up a music program for the Quad, guided by the creative spirit of Lismore. We look forward to showcasing regional artists, hosting fantastic interstate artists, strengthening our community, and creating regional touring opportunities.”

Lismore Regional Gallery Director Ashleigh Ralph is excited to collaborate with the Quad on Sound Lab: “During the gallery’s restoration, we hosted LRG Nights at various venues around Lismore and discovered a strong enthusiasm for experimental music and art. We are eager to bring this kind of programming into the gallery and within our exhibitions.”

Revive Live addresses a critical need for accessible, all-ages venues in regional Australia. The Quad’s outdoor setting ensures these events are inclusive and welcoming to all, from families to seasoned music lovers. Each event promises to deliver unforgettable experiences for audiences and invaluable opportunities for the creative community.

BLAKyard Music starts on Friday 11 April at 6.00pm featuring the talented Mr Rhodes and The Deadly Good. 

As a founding member of the celebrated hip-hop trio Teddy Lewis King, musical alchemist Mr Rhodes makes soulful drenched future hip-hop with unparalleled energy and tenacity.

“The Deadly Good is a soul, R&B, and disco troupe of plucky LGBTQIA+ and First Nations rebellion fighters looking for a good time and a place to make music and feel seen and safe. All allies and aliases welcome!” Benja Roberts.

Stay tuned by visiting the website at www.lismorequad.org.au to see what's on.