The Smarts

This all started a long time ago in the community halls, pubs, clubs and beer barns of the 20th Century when live music was king, the gigs were plentiful and petrol was cheap. That’s where Pete de Jong and Jim Porteus learned their chops and became musical mates.

The friendship started in iconic Newcastle band heroes which gave them a sniff of national success with the release of a couple of singles, an album, a few Countdown appearances and relentless touring up and down the East Coast.

After heroes imploded, Pete and Jim continued their partnership in Sydney with the rockin’ three-piece band Smart Artists, playing up to four nights a week in venues across the city and suburbs.

Returning to Newcastle in the early 90’s, they went on to form club and pub faves Django Wrango, The Cool Factor and The Heartlfelt Rodneys, all great bands featuring a stack of great local musos.

They eventually reverted to the three-piece Smart Artists format, recruiting good friend and local legend Chris ‘Lowie’ Lowe on drums. Lowie’s no-holds-barred approach and high harmonies suited Pete and Jim’s high-energy attitude to performing. It was meant to be.

A subtle name change to The Smarts a few years ago, and here they are, three musical mates with a mission—to make your night special.

With a lifetime of experience and long set list, The Smarts can cut it in any situation, playing tunes from the dawn of rock to now their way…and always with passion.

The band:
Pete ‘BigPete’ de Jong - guitars and vocals
Jim Porteus - bass and vocals
Chris ‘Lowie’ Lowe - drums and vocals
The volume