Lizotte's Birthday Bash

10 years ago the bones of a beautiful old art deco theatre stood dormant in Morehead Street, Lambton. For decades prior, generations of people had passed through it's doors. The spaces has had many incarnations, such as a picture theatre, a restaurant and even a roller rink. Once filled with laughter and sound but in 2009 it stood silent.

90 mins down the freeway was a legendary music venue called Lizotte's. The kind of place that as a music fan, even if you hadn't been there, you had heard about. The stories of moments that you wished you had been there when huge named artist played an intimate show to just over 100 people. Owned by Brian and Jo Lizotte's and frequented by the who's who of the music industry including brother Diesel.

Sometimes the stars collide. The Lizotte's became aware that the theatre was up for sale and soon after they had the keys in their hands. With only 10 days between picking up the keys and opening the venue, it was all hands-on deck to make Brian and Jo's vision of a space where Newcastle music fans could come and really listen to music, into a reality. A space the artist is not just in the back ground but is the feature of the night.

With a mouth- watering menu and a huge line-up of talent, the doors opened at Lizotte's on June 2, 2009.

In the 10 years that followed there have been some huge milestones. The joy for fan of seeing artists like Mick Fleetwood, Macy Gray and Jimmy Barnes in an intimate setting. The birthdays and anniversaries that we were a part of with our regular customers. Customers who have become part of the family. Being there for the moments when fans get face to face with their idol in the foyer after the show. We even had The Hoff recorded a charity cover of "Am I ever gonna see your face again" in our courtyard.

People have shared their first meal as a married couple at Lizotte's. Children have performed for the first time on a stage with proud parents in the audience. Partners have proposed and dreams have come true all inside the Kings Castle. There are so many unforgettable moments in the decade since Jo and Brian transformed this space. None of these moments would have been possible without their vision. The fact that they hand-pick staff who share that vision and their passion for music. The icing on the cake are the talented artists that have stepped foot on our stage and of course every customer who have ever come to Lizotte's Newcastle.

As of June second, Lizotte's will have hosted 2381 shows, served over 120,000 meals, hosted 260 dedicated Live and Local Night where young talents take the stage and share the profits as well out countless school showcases and sell out shows headlined by well-known local musos such as Morgan Evans, Lyn Bowtell, Amy Vee, Bob Corbett, Marissa Saroca, Mark Well, Justin Ngariki, Ty Penshorn, Adam Miller, Grant Walmsley and Mark Tinson.

To everyone who has been part of our journey, we want you to come and celebrate with us at the Lizotte's open day on June 2. There will be free entertainment thanks to a long list of our favourites including Piper Butcher, Rehab Brass Band, Dexter Moore, Avalon Circus and more to be announced. The doors and the kitchen will be open from 11am till 3pm to help celebrate our 10th Birthday with as many of you as possible. There will be plenty of amazing entertainment and great food from our New Winter menu will be available.

That night (June 2), we will host our ticketed birthday bash with Doug Parkinson and Glenn Shorrock with support act Ty Penshorn. Tickets are selling fast so jump on the website now and grab your seats.

Lizotte's Birthday Bash - Saturday June 2