For not the first time last night, I found myself marvelling at how lucky the Darkinjung Country/Central Coast community is to have a venue like Avoca Beach Theatre. It’s a place that champions not just live music, but original Australian music. It’s an intimate venue, one where you can go to hear artists with an audience who respects what they’re doing. Even in the support act, you won’t hear a peep, unless of course the artist encourages us to sing along. Only occasionally will you see someone raise their phone to capture a photo, but then it’s put away as they give themselves over to the music once more. You rarely see people getting up mid-set to head to the bar. They’re too busy being in it. The older I get, the more annoyed I become at all those things that take me out of the music and the more I appreciate venues that let me revel in it.
I can’t imagine seeing a show like last night’s gig anywhere else, and I’m glad I don’t have to. Mark Crotti opened the show with an incredible set of gentle acoustic folk that had us all hanging on his every word. He could be hilarious one moment, but then make our hearts break with songs like “Half a Cup of Tea” and “Paint Me.” Ordinarily, I don’t remember the songs that support acts sing, even when I enjoy them, so that tells you something about how incredible they were. I’m an instant fan.
Mark Wilkinson is one of those artists I’ve appreciated for many years, but never managed to see live. Falling for his latest album Wild and Hunted Things gave me the push I needed. Now I’m wondering why it took me so long. His voice has always drawn me in, but I think it’s better in person. It filled the hushed room, wrapping around us all like a warm hug. He performed many songs I didn’t know, but it didn’t matter. In a venue like this, where everyone is so quiet and respectful, I could hear every lyric. It was the perfect introduction, and a timely reminder that I need to dig a little deeper into his discography. He gave us a couple of covers: a stripped-back version of Roxette’s “It Must Have Been Love” that made me appreciate the lyrics in a way I never have before and a killer rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m on Fire.” When people talk about artists making songs their own, they’re talking about what Mark does.
Mark spent most of his time on the acoustic guitar, but also ventured over to the piano for a few songs. He said he was nervous about playing this instrument for us, but honestly, these songs were probably my favourites. What a well-rounded talent he is.
Even though we were all out on a Thursday night, no one seemed in a rush to go anywhere. When Mark told us he’d play an extra song in his encore, we were thrilled. Any excuse for us all to stay in the moment, revelling in such beautiful music a little longer.
When you intend to see an artist for some time, there’s always a risk they might disappoint you. But I can’t imagine a better night, seeing Mark playing songs from his latest album, with Mark Crotti on support, in such a special venue, with a good friend keeping me company. I’m so thrilled I got to experience it. Mark Wilkinson continues his Wild and Hunted Things tour with Mark Crotti on Saturday night in Mulubinba/Newcastle. Limited tickets are available for most of the remaining shows:
16 August 2025 – Stag and Hunter Hotel, Mulubinba/Newcastle
17 August 2025 – Flow Bar, Worimi Country/Old Bar
22 August 2025 – Imperial Hotel, Kabi Kabi Country/Eumundi
23 August 2025 – Old Museum, Meeanjin/Brisbane
29 August 2025 – Trinity Sessions, Tarntanya/Adelaide
30 August 2025 – Lyrics Underground, Boorloo/Perth
31 August 2025 – Kidogo Arthouse, Walyalup/Fremantle (SOLD OUT)
4 September 2025 – The Victoria Hotel, Bathurst
5 September 2025 – Smiths Alternative, Ngambri/Canberra
Photo credit: Lauren Katulka