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Under the starry skies – Lightning Ridge's The Hungry Spirit’s Open Mic Night

Western Plains App

Angie White

11 July 2025, 9:36 PM

Under the starry skies – Lightning Ridge's The Hungry Spirit’s Open Mic Night Open Mic Night at The Tin Camp Lightning Ridge.

An eclectic line-up, a special venue and a unique opportunity to experience the depth of home-grown musical talent of western plains.


It's at Lightning Ridge and one of those opportunities is tonight, Saturday 12 July.


If you're looking for a warm inviting night under the stars surrounded by great music and fire buckets then it's time to get amongst the The Hungry Spirit's Open Mic Night.


On the second Saturday of every month the Tin Camp at THE Hungry Spirit will host artists from all over the region, totalling 30 plus performers, and for only a gold coin entry you can enjoy the show.



Supported by Lightning Ridge Bowling Club and with funding received from Regional Arts Australia, Regional Arts NSW and the Regional Arts Fund, organiser Rebel Black said it will be a night not to be missed. 


Rebel Black Organiser of Open Mic Night at THE Hungry Spirit - Image Ms Black.


“We did an expression of interest late last year and had more than 20 applications and were able to offer 8 acts a headline opportunity, and all but one act are regional and remote artists,” said Ms Black.


“Genres have varied from hip hop to folk acoustic and rock, and artists are coming from places including Coonabarabran, Warren, Dubbo, Tamworth, the open mic has a $200 prize for people’s choice, and we always get some great talent appearing. 

“After moving our events to a Saturday, we now get a bigger audience and those who come along are from young kids to over 80-year-olds.


“The Tin Camp is designed as a safe space for sharing and is the concept of Goodooga born Indigenous artist Warren Mason and an important community gathering place,” said Ms Black.


Headline artist Jane A Nao - Image Ms A Naoi.


Headline artist Jane A Naoi, said she feels incredibly grateful to be sharing her music in Lightning Ridge, and sharing the stage with such talented young First Nations artists.


"The Hungry Spirit and Tin Camp Studios have created a wonderful space for creativity and I'm so pleased that Regional Arts Fund, Outback Arts and all of the other contributors are making these nights of live music possible," said Ms Naoi.


The Hungry Spirit and Tin Camp - Image THE Hungry Spirit.


A highlight of the night will be a group of students from Warraan Widji Arts Young Mob who will travel to Lightning Ridge to take part, with the WWA Wayilwan choir and Budjirriwan band members busy in preparation to take the stage.


WWA Wayilwan choir and Budjirriwan band members practising for the event - Image Warraan Widji Arts.


A Warraan Widji representative praised those kids involved.


“WWA Wayilwan choir and Budjirriwan band members are dedicated to reawakening Wayilwan language in our community and beyond. We are so proud,” she said.


Lots of practise for the WWA Wayilwan choir and Budjirriwan band members - Image Warraan Widji Arts.


“We have a large cohort of youth coming from Warren for their first big performance and it's so special for everyone - the audience and the artists,” said Ms Black.


“We are proud to be able to create such a welcoming and supportive space to offer a great experience for emerging artists and acts to get exposure and experience and we are especially looking forward to the group from Warren for their first big performance it's so special for everyone - the audience and the artists.


“We are working on securing further financial support so we can expand on the opportunity for rural and remote artists and audiences.".