If you’re sick of hearing the same old hits when you’re keen for a boogie, then expand your horizons in some of the best live music venues inOz. You may even find some quality Australianmusic… it’s a long shot, we know.
SYDNEY
THE EXCELSIOR (GLEBE)
When: Thursday to Sunday From 6pm
What: As well as open mic nights on Wednesdays – where you can score yourself $500 – the Excelsior mixes it up with the genres of music on offer. Giving the musically gifted singer/songwriters a go is something the pub is good for, while you can also get a dose of indie/alternative, acoustic or roots and blues. They pride themselves on their “live originalmusic four nights a week”.
Cost: Free
More: www.excelsiorglebe.com.au
THE ANNANDALE (ANNANDALE)
When: Mostly Wednesday to Sunday
What: One word (well three). Rock ‘N’ Roll. Classified as a Sydney rock ‘n’ roll institution since the 80’s, this venue has retained its reputation. Acts like Jet, John Butler, The Vines and the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs have all graced the Annandale stage. But don’t be thinking big names equal big, stark venue. The hardened carpet is evidence of the many quality pub gigs of yesteryear. While you’re there, try their take on Yum-Cha known as Pub Cha on weekends.
Cost: Usually $10-15
More: www.annandalehotel.com
THE BEACH ROAD HOTEL (BONDI)
When: Tuesday to Sunday
What: Chances are if you’re picky with tunes, you’ll be able to come here to whet your musical appetite. Tuesday nights see local aspiring singers showcasing their stuff. Headline
acts and indie/rock/electro up-and-comers collaborate on Wednesdays while residents of the reggae and blues and roots variety are on the mic on Thursdays. For hip-hop fans, Friday’s the night, while Saturday night is the time to boogie with the resident DJs. Soul, jazz and funk rounds up the week for the ideal beachside Sunday session.
Cost: Free
More: www.beachroadbondi.com.au/
THE BASEMENT
(CIRCULAR QUAY)
When: Six to seven nights a week
What: Thirty years in existence, this well-known Sydney establishment started off primarily with jazz acts but has since broadened it’s repertoire to include country, soul, instrumental plus much more. Dizzy Gillespie, Prince and Keith Urban are some of the names who have appeared here. Also, if you’re feeling like treating yourself, you can have dinner while you’re watching the show. Definitely worth a visit to expand your musical horizons.
Cost: From $15
More: www.thebasement.com.au
THE ORIENT (THE ROCKS)
When: Wednesday to Sunday
What: Cover bands, solo artists and DJs are some of the acts you’ll find here. With three distinct bars, you can choose your tunes between DJs or live bands. The Cocktail bar is more of a chilled out area with DJs playing on Friday and Saturday nights. The Marine is where you’ll find the live bands and the Top of the Orient becomes a nightclub on weekends.
Cost: Free/$5 after 10pm on Saturdays
More: www.orienthotel.com.au
MELBOURNE
THE ESPY (ST KILDA)
When: All week
What: For a hundred years, music has been ringing out the doors and windows of this St Kilda establishment. From string performances in its earliest days to DJs, rock bands, metal and hip hop of more recent times, say the word “Espy” in Melbourne and the locals will know what you’re talking about. The venue has three permanent stages and plays host to an average of 50 acts a week. As well as music, you can also catch comedy here.
Cost: From $20
More: www.espy.com.au
CORNER HOTEL (RICHMOND)
When: Most days
What: True live music aficionados will fall in love with the grunginess of the Corner. Its beer-stench charm makes the venue a true pub band kind of place. That said, some pretty big acts have played, including Blink 182, Ben Harper and The White Stripes. It’s recently redone it’s roof-top beer garden which is perfect for an afternoon bevvy. Just get there early on Sundays.
Cost: From $15
More: www.cornerhotel.com/
RAINBOW HOTEL (FITZROY)
When: Wednesday to Sunday
What: Just off the über-trendy Brunswick Street, this pub has kicked on for 140 years and was originally a brothel. Shock horror! However, it is now one of Melbourne’s oldest and friendliest pubs and they’re so friendly here they actually let punters get up and sing! Yep, Wednesday’s are open mic nights while gigs through to Sunday reflect a more jazz, blues and roots feel.
Cost: Free
More: therainbow.com.au
THE EVELYN (FITZROY)
When: All week
What: Cheap drinks, check. Trendy location, check. Live music, check. Located in the heart of one of Melbourne’s shopping hubs, Brunswick Street, the Evelyn epitomizes the cool, funky culture of Melbourne. Alternative rock and indie are some of the genres you can find here and a cheap beverage isn’t far away either. Thursday night drink specials include $6.50 jagerbombs, $3.50 champagne, and $2.50 pots (or a midi if you speak Sydney).
Cost: From $5
More: www.evelynhotel.com.au
ADELAIDE
THE GOV (HINDMARSH)
When: Monday to Saturday (some Sundays)
What: Ask any Adelaidian where to go for live music and they’ll send you straight here. The Governor Hindmarsh (its real name) was awarded the title of Best Entertainment Venue in Australia last year and it’s no surprise why. The low-lit front bar coupled with cosy booths for a great drinking session or smooch make it the ideal venue for kicking back to listen to some tunes. Jumping around space is also available. Headline acts also appear here as well as local bands and artists. Irish Jam sessions on Fridays by big log fires during winter will take you back to the cold of the northern hemisphere. A must while you’re in Adelaide.
Cost: From $15
More: www.thegov.com.au
THE GRACE EMILY (CBD)
When: All week
What: Claiming to be Adelaide’s only live music venue open seven days a week, Mondays and Tuesdays see regular local acts entertaining the crowds. More of an alternative, grunge, punk rock vibe fill the soundwaves of this drinking hole but those not normally privy to those genres should check it out anyway as you may be pleasantly surprised.
Cost: Usually free
More: www.myspace.com/graceemilyhotel
BRISBANE
THE ZOO (FORTITUDE VALLEY)
When: Wednesday to Saturday and some Sundays
What: Claimed to be Brisbane’s most longstanding live music venue, The Zoo describes its type of acts as more skewed toward the independent scene rather than your mainstream run-of-the-mill performers. Its variety isn’t sacrificed though, with genres from beats, hip hop, jazz, rock, and pop to acoustic, folk, dub and reggae. Josh Pyke, Hoodoo Gurus, The Panics, Angus & Julia Stone have all played here.
Cost: From $10
More: www.thezoo.com.au
PERTH
ROSEMOUNT HOTEL (NORTH PERTH)
When: Thursday to Sunday
What: You can even make your own music here with Karaoke nights on Thursdays but if you don’t like the sound of your own voice, or any other random for that matter, make the journey here on the weekends to hear up and coming artists as well as new album launches. You can score yourself a pretty good feed here too with lunch and dinner specials throughout the week.
Cost: From $10 (sometimes free)
More: www.rosemounthotel.com.au/