This program isn’t just about putting on a good party – through a series of eight live music events between now and the end of the year, I.C.E. aims to carve out a space for Western Sydney communities and artists and to build creative bridges with and between communities and artists, breathing life into the already vibrant creative scene in Western Sydney. I.C.E.HAUS is the latest live music initiative to come out of the well renowned and respected community and cultural development organisation, Information + Cultural Exchange.

The events give focus to the largely under represented artists and audiences and responds to the need for more live music venues in the region. These gigs will nourish a music culture that is determined and created by Western Sydney artists and enjoyed in safe neighbourhood venues where an array of music genres, and cultural/sexual/gender identities can be freely expressed.

Our first I.C.E.HAUS event happened on 6 July and was a huge success. The all-ages, free gig kicked off around 3pm with an acknowledgement of country and then smashed through 5 incredible local RnB acts; Rosie Vai, The DM Szn, Kymie, Zeadala and Clarissa Mei. The lineup was largely female dominated and gave space to a variety of cultural backgrounds. At the end of the night, a lucky door prize sponsored by The Guitar Factory was drawn and a microphone that retails at $249 proved to be a game-changing birthday present for an aspiring rapper.  

The next gig is a mix of hardcore and alternative hip-hop. This line-up packs a punch. We’ve got, Arafura; anti-colonial hardcore 3 piece, The Graveyard Boyz; local legendary hip-hop collective, Johnny from the Burbs; self-produced alternative MC from the Hills district, and Life’s Ill; 5 piece hardcore band ripping through catchy riffs. The Guitar Factory lucky door prize for the second I.C.E.HAUS gig will be a BeatBuddy mini drum machine pedal which retails at $299! Come through, grab a free BBQ meal and be in the running to win!