You have not experienced Victoria if you have not been to at least one live music venue to sample the finery. Few international acts visit Australia without placing a visit to Victoria for a spectacular concert high on their agenda.
Live music around Melbourne
- Bennetts Lane - www.bennettslane.com
- Bennetts Lane is a dedicated jazz venue conveniently located in the Melbourne CBD. It hosts local and international artists and allows patrons to enjoy performances in a relaxed and intimate setting. A must visit for jazz fans.
- Festival Hall - www.festivalhall.com.au
- Known as the original house of rock 'n' roll music, Festival Hall is located in West Melbourne and has been the concert venue for a host of popular artists including the Beatles, Johnny Cash, Oasis, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Powderfinger.
- Prince of Wales Bandroom - www.princebandroom.com.au
- As its name suggests this venue is a trendy hotspot for bands coming to entertain Melbourne folk, located in the hip suburb of St Kilda no less.
- Rod Laver Arena - www.rodlaverarena.com.au
- This huge arena is located in the sports precinct of Melbourne Park. As well as it being used for tennis and other sports, it serves as a large entertainment venue where local and international artists of all music genres perform. Concerts by Andre Rieu, AC/DC, Metallica, Pink, Kylie Minogue and John Farnham, just to name a few, have all been held there.
- The Arts Centre - www.theartscentre.com.au
- Located on St Kilda Road at Southbank, The Arts Centre has several performance spaces which showcase premier music and dance. The Sidney Myer Music Bowl, 500 metres away and set within the lawns of Kings Domain, puts on all types of live music events, from rock concerts to opera. There's seating for 2,000 people and room for a further 11,000 on the landscaped lawns out front.
- The Castle - www.greaterdandenong.com
- Up and coming musical acts are also often found playing at The Castle, located at Hemmings Park in Dandenong. Opened in 2006, the venue has a strong focus on youth activity and youth music.
- The Corner Hotel - www.cornerhotel.com
- This is Melbourne's live music core. Crowds come to The Corner in their droves depending on which rock, pop or indie act is showcasing their fares. You will find punk, salsa, reggae and jazz outfits making their mark here too. Located in Richmond, The Corner has put the suburb on the map internationally.
- The Espy - www.espy.com.au
- Open since 1878, the iconic Esplanade Hotel in St Kilda is one of Melbourne's premier live music venues, having hosted the finest local and international performers. Bands and DJs play 7 days a week and there are three permanent stages and six bars.
- The Night Cat - www.thenightcat.com.au
- Located in trendy Fitzroy, The Night Cat is a live music venue where some of the country's most innovative artists perform. Enjoy a wide range of musical styles including reggae, funk, hip-hop and groove. An interesting feature is the round stage allowing the audience to experience a full circular view of performers. A second venue in Melbourne's CBD has opened, located in the basement of an historic building, and showcases some of Melbourne's best dance bands and emerging artists.
- The Tote - www.thetotehotel.com
- The Tote is one of Melbourne's iconic live music venues for rock and roll music. Located in the inner eastern suburb of Collingwood, the hotel supports up and coming bands.
Live music outside of Melbourne
The regions of Victoria often see herds of music-lovers descend upon their localities at different times during the year for popular outdoor music festivals.
- Karova Lounge - www.karovalounge.com
- Located in Ballarat, Karova Lounge is the region's home of live music, run by music-lovers and playing host to both local and international acts.
- Westernport Hotel - www.thewesternport.com.au
- This San Remo icon is often the temporary home to an array of popular travelling musicians. Located just across "The Narrows" from Phillip Island, it's a picturesque backdrop for intimate live music shows.
Jazz music has a large following in Victoria and music festivals to celebrate this are held throughout the state, including at Echuca, Halls Gap, Inverloch, Mildura, Moe and Wangaratta.
Further information
- Live music events in Melbourne from Beat Magazine -
www.beat.com.au
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Music and art festivals in Victoria
