Your Weekender reads: James Taylor; Estancia Osteria; Newcastle Food Month; Smith Street Band's Wil Wagner and much more

Unmissable reads inside the Herald Weekender, March 23.

James Taylor is bringing his All Star Band to the Hunter Valley on April 27. Picture by Norman Seeff

James Taylor ready for Australian swan song

The man who has lived his life through song, has decided his April tour of Australia will be his swan song. He talks to Lisa Rockman ahead of his April show at Bimbadgen.

On the menu at Estancia Osteria

Chefs aim for 'fire to the table'

James Orlowski has partnered with Gabriel Rodrigues to open Estancia Osteria, at Briar Ridge Vineyard. Jim Kellar looks at the fresh, yet fiery, menu.

Chef Josh Gregory, above, of Thermidor. Picture by Marina Neil.

Newcastle Food Month countdown

Week two of Newcastle Food Month (April 10 to 14) is even busier than the first. Here is a snapshot of the feature events on offer.

Boxers of Jimmy Sharman's touring troupe prepare to take on all comers. Picture: Supplied

Golden age of touring boxing 'stadiums' 

Mike Scanlon revisits the time when touring troupes set up the tent for an entertaining round of boxing. It was a hit not to be missed.

Family bliss lives on Smith Street

Smith Street Band frontman Wil Wagner says family has helped put his music in perspective. He talks to Josh Leeson.

Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival

Doll fair, Kurri Kurri Nostalgia Festival, live music and more 

Check out what's on this weekend in the Hunter.