Brisbane’s Southside and Melbourne’s Northside are each getting new additions to their compass points in the form of new live music venues.
Following on from yesterday’s news that Brunswick burger bar and live music venue, The B.East would be severely scaling back its live music programme due to pressures from “noise complaints, licensing and council legislations,” a new multi-faceted arts hub tucked away nearby is looking to push forward with live music and arts where The B.East must retreat.
A converted warehouse located opposite the Brunswick City Baths on Dawson Street, Howler looks to “encapsulates all that is good about design, music, theatre, cinema, art, and a unique night out,” under one roof, and a very well designed one at that. The entire space and project is a labour of love from owner and co-designer Brendan Brogan, and features a beer garden, bar, and two performances spaces.
The already completed bar and beer garden is a visually striking mix of architecture and atmosphere, featuring greenery spilling out of metal frameworks and a large open skyline with a 300+ capacity. Heading south through the warehouse, past the bar, is an annexed performance space that holds 75 standing or 40 seated patrons, designed to complement the main performance and band room for smaller events such as theatre, comedy, and cinema screenings.
The main feature is the 400 capacity performance theatre, whose primary focus will be live music but also encompass a range of theatre, performance, events, and whatever other creative endeavours artists put their mind to. The cafe and bar area will trade seven days a week, open from 10am to late, and serves up a menu of Asian hawker style food between 11am – 10pm daily.
You can view some of Howler’s striking interior design below, and get a look in the flesh when the venue opens to the public next Friday 31st May.
Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct may get all the attention, with a recent report crowning it the “envy of a nation”, applauded the live music precinct as the ideal model for providing harmony between policy-makers, venue operators, and community, but an unlikely new venue south of the river is set to draw attention as it kickstarts the promotion of live music this June.
Previously known for its lawn bowls fame, Club Greenslopes is taking a new musical direction under the auspices of manager William Ashworth. Club Greenslopes, located in the suburb of the same name, has “kicked the elderly to the kerb and is taking in a crowd of local creatives and entrepreneurs,” reads a statement from the venue, along with a series of live music events ranging from small, intimate acoustic shows to multi-stage festivals.
Refurbishments to the site are currently underway, with two rooms, two stages, and two sound systems in place catering to “an impressive 100, 300 or 1,000+ capacity” with bar and kitchen. The club also caters to outdoor entertainment on its barefoot bowls greens
“We are trying to create a friendly and appealing original music venue for all to enjoy,” says manager William Ashworth. ” We want to influence Brisbane’s creative culture in a way that the Fortitude Valley and West End precincts aren’t able to do anymore. Get rid of the seedy undertones, overpriced food/drinks, and all the moral dilemmas that come with a night out in town.”
The selection of music events for June demonstrates Club Greenslopes’ push for diversity, starting with the Saideira Brazilian Festival, and following on with a DragonFire Music presented night of hip hop and electronica, and the Jam N Beats Urban Culture Festival, along with a series of local bands and gigs throughout the week.
Upcoming Events @ Club Greenslopes
Sat 1st June – Saideira Brazilian Festival
Sat 8th June – DragonFire Music Presents… (Hip Hop / Electronica)
Sat 15th June – Vintage On The Greens (feat. Golden Sound)
Sat 29th June – Jam’N’Beats (Urban Culture Festival)
