BIGSOUND returns for its 12th year in 2013 and tonight, they have revealed the first lot of artists and industry professionals set to perform and speak at the music conference in Brisbane later in the year. The September 11-13 event will be represented by some of the best in the international and local market, with the following artists set to perform, with more still to be announced:

Xavier Rudd
Washington
The John Steel Singers
Bleeding Knees Club
Stonefield

The first artist announcement has landed for the trademark Western Australian concert series Live At The Quarry in the 2012/13 season. As the essence of West Australia, the series retains its ability to bring together some of the finest performers with a gourmet taste in its sixth season.

Pictured: Rufus Wainwright.

In This Issue: Gotye anonunces support acts for his homecoming tour, Washington is set to join Rufus Wainwright, Regurgitator announce supports and extra shows, plus much more!

GOTYE ANNOUNCES TOUR SUPPORTS

Pictured: Dappled Cities

The program for this year's Darwin Festival has been released tonight and it's safe to say that it is good. Taking place from August 9 until the 26th, the Darwin Festival is bringing together a fabulous mix of Australian and international talent in the tropical setting of the Top End.

I know it’s clichéd, but Washington truly has had an incredible couple of years. We’ve watched her transform from an adorable musical nerd playing the Oxford Arts Factory to an absolutely breathtaking artist selling out the Sydney Opera House in just two years. Her Insomnia show for Sydney Festival completely lived up to the hype surrounding it, to say the least.

DJ Creepy Uncle aka Megan Washington was the guest DJ at The Jagermeister Hunting Lodge last Friday night. Megan got the dance floor pumping to an eclectic set comprising of hits from the 70s, 80s & 90s.

The MART Gallery in Surry Hills is a little white room, tucked away amongst many residential and commercial buildings along Commonwealth Street. However on Thursday night, it was positively bustling.

The Twilights Concert Series is back again – bigger and better than ever! Zoo Twilights 2012 will kick off a series of events as part of Melbourne Zoo's 150th Anniversary Celebrations. The superb line-up of some of Australia's favourite artists amid the magical setting of the Zoo under the stars should not be missed! Whatever your musical tastes, there's something for everyone at Zoo Twilights this summer.

In our new news series, here's the latest news from the world of the arts...

In This Issue: Washington artwork to exhibit in Sydney, Sydney Dance Company announces new dancers, Strandbeest to roam Fed Square, Queens Street Stdio announces Residents, Alaska Project to present Samuel Hodge,

Sydney Festival is an iconic part of summer in Sydney – the lineup is always highly anticipated, annually delivering a variety of free and ticketed shows that prove to be extremely popular. Sydney Festival First Night is always raved about – it’s free and starts off the festival with a bang. This year was the fifth First Night and it might just have been the best one yet.