Never Grow Up

With Ross Tipper & LJ White from Grow Up Bookings, Enmore Road.

There is something in the air along Enmore Road that seems to draw in creatives who thrive on connection, rhythm and community. For locals Ross Tipper and LJ White, it was only natural that their love of live music and the Inner West spirit would evolve into something bigger. Enter Grow Up Bookings, a bespoke booking and consultancy agency that curates lineups for venues like the Palomino Lounge and helps shape the soundtrack of the neighbourhood.

Both Ross and LJ have called the area home for close to two decades, and it shows. Their approach to bookings celebrates the diversity and raw talent that pulse through every laneway and late-night bar. “The Inner West has such an incredible mix of people and sounds,” Ross says.

“You can wander down the street and hear anything from country and blues to hip-hop and roots. That’s what keeps it exciting.”

The pair draw inspiration from some of the best in the business, including Fortunate Son, The Magpie, Young Henrys, The Grifter, Deadwax and the much-loved Midnight Special (RIP). Each of these venues and crews has helped shape the local scene through passion, hard work and a shared commitment to the community. It is that same spirit that drives Grow Up Bookings to keep creating spaces for artists to play, connect and grow.

When they are not running shows, you will probably spot them out front of a pub, soaking up the afternoon sun and sharing stories with whoever happens to wander by. “That’s the magic of Newtown,” Ross says. “You never know who you’ll bump into or where the night will end up.”

As they look ahead, Grow Up Bookings is gearing up for King Street Crawl: Summer Edition in January 2026, set to be a massive celebration of live music, local venues and good times. For Ross and LJ, it is not about chasing fame or fortune. It is about filling rooms with laughter, connection and songs that stick with you long after the amps are turned off.

Because here in Newtown, the music never really stops, it just moves from one bar to the next.

Grow Up Bookings
134A Enmore Rd, Newtown NSW 2042
@growupbookings