Spring Into the Spotlight: What's On at PACC
Plenty is happening at Performance Arts Culture Cessnock (PACC) as Spring settles in, with a new exhibition opening, big-voiced tribute shows, family cinema, and a jam-packed run of live music that stretches well into November.
In the gallery.
From Saturday 3 October, the PACC Art Gallery welcomes a much-loved local name. The Art of Noticing is a survey exhibition dedicated to Pokolbin artist Chris Fussell, a co-founder of Crowtrap Studio, whose practice has been rooted in observation, place and people for more than half a century. Born in 1947 and working as an artist since the late 1960s, Fussell has explored painting, drawing and sculpture across a lifetime spent in the Hunter Valley.
Visitors can expect real range. His fascination with the Australian landscape comes to life in large-scale acrylic paintings inspired by his travels, alongside plein air works created digitally on a tablet. Portraiture offers a more intimate view, with self-portraits spanning decades and a touching collection of small portraits drawn on a phone and memo pads while he waited at Allandale Hospital.
The showstoppers, though, are likely to be two monumental black cockatoo sculptures, each about three metres high. Created in memory of Fussell's late wife, Frances, and her love of the birds, they explore love, remembrance and loss, and they connect to his wider public art practice, including the much-loved Kookaburra in Kurri Kurri. Together, the works paint a picture of an artist who looks closely and invites us to do the same.
The exhibition opens with a celebration on Saturday 3 and runs until Saturday 21 November. Entry is free. The gallery is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm and Saturday from 10am to 1.30pm, as well as one hour before theatre performances.
On stage and screen
September brings a double dose of nostalgia when the Robertson Brothers return on 25 September with Everly Brothers & Friends and Roy Orbison, celebrating the music of two legendary acts. Expect a theatre full of songs that generations have grown up singing along to.
The school holidays are covered too, with Chicken Run hitting the big screen on 28 September for an easy, fun-filled family outing. And as October draws to a close, PACC gets spooky with a special Halloween screening of Hocus Pocus on 31 October, perfect for the whole family to enjoy together.
October highlights
Live entertainment takes centre stage in October, starting on Sunday 11 October at 5pm with The 60 Four. Fresh from their appearance on The Voice Australia and from performing around the world, the group bring a Las Vegas-style show to the PACC stage, mixing powerhouse vocals, slick choreography and plenty of glamour. Expect timeless hits from Frankie Valli, The Beatles, Johnny O'Keefe, Tina Turner, Neil Diamond and more. Whether you grew up with these songs or simply love a good singalong, it is a night made for joining in. Tickets are $69.90 for adults, $64.90 for concessions and $59.90 for PACC Members, and the show runs for 2 hours 10 minutes, including an intermission.
Country classics follow on Saturday 24 October at 3pm with Rhinestone Cowboy: A Salute to John Denver & Glen Campbell. Performer John Stephan, known simply as "The Voice", brings the songs of two American greats to life, including Annie's Song, Gentle On My Mind, Rocky Mountain High and Wichita Lineman. It is an afternoon concert of two hours, including a 20-minute interval, making it a lovely option for a relaxed weekend outing. Tickets are $79.95 for adults, $74.95 for concessions and PACC Members, $71.95 each for groups of 10 or more, and $49.95 for children.
The month closes on 31 October with California Legends by Wild Things Run, a tribute to the sounds of the sun-soaked 1970s West Coast.
Looking ahead
The music keeps rolling into November, with The Bee Gees Show: One Night Only arriving at PACC on 13 November. Book early for this one.
From big nights out to relaxed afternoons, there is something for every taste and age. And there is more to come. The PACC team is currently putting the finishing touches on a huge 2027 season, spanning live performance and music, big-ticket family entertainment and art exhibitions.
To book tickets or find out more, visit www.mypacc.com.au or call the Box Office on (02) 4993 4266. Keep an eye on PACC for the latest announcements and your first look at what's coming in 2027.
