As the weathers gets ever so slightly better, The Espy is the first place on our minds.
We love the prime seaside location. We love the multi-room madness. And we love the lineup of events, which is what we’re here to talk about.
This month, The Espy is hosting gigs both big and small, from emerging acts taking over the Basement to local legends in the Gershwin Room. Plus, they’re wrapping up their iconic Battle of the Bands series, so you can catch a group show of amazing up-and-coming acts with a competitive edge.
Here are our top picks for this month, but the Espy’s got so much else happening, so make sure to take a gander at their gig guide as well!
Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around Melbourne here.
Good Music House Party
View this post on Instagram
- 4 September
- Tickets here
Good Music takes over the Gershwin Room for a house party packed with live sets and a dancefloor that actually moves. Featuring Full Flower Moon Band, Park Rd, Laura and the Hell Cutz and House Party DJs, this one will be sloppy, sweaty and a hell of a good time.
BABBA Live
View this post on Instagram
- 5 September
- Tickets here
ABBA tribute legends BABBA hit the Gershwin Room for a night of pure disco gold and singalong classics. The costumes, the hits and the crowd energy make it one of those shows that feel like a full-blown party. Get ready to dance like it’s 1979 all over again.
Ivan Ooze
View this post on Instagram
- 18 September
- Tickets here
Melbourne wordsmith Ivan Ooze brings his debut album Isolation Of Mistaken Infamy to the Gershwin Room on his massive, landmark national run. After more than a decade grinding through the independent scene, this high-energy set blends sharp lyricism, chaos and raw honesty. It’ll be a defining live moment for one of Australia’s most relentless performers.
Heat 4 | The Espy Battle Of The Bands
- 2 September
- Tickets here
The fourth heat of The Espy’s Battle Of The Bands lands in the Gershwin Room as TRI Of The Sands, Operation Karma, Department Of Music, In The Caverns Of Death and Franjapan go head-to-head for a shot at the grand final. Crowds get to back their favourites while discovering Melbourne’s next wave of talent. Cheap entry and big energy make it a midweek must.
Sunshine Tip
View this post on Instagram
- 3 September
- Free entry
Sunshine Tip bring their earthy brand of alternative country down to the Espy Basement for a night of rich storytelling and tight musicianship. They’ll weave voices, guitar, cello, mandolin and drums into songs that dig deep into the human experience, drawing on everything from alt-country and rock to jazz, lounge, Greek and Irish traditions. Pianist John McAll opens the evening with a solo set full of flair and humour before jumping up to join the band for a few numbers.
Heat 5 | The Espy Battle Of The Bands
- 9 September
- Tickets here
The final heat of Battle Of The Bands hits the Gershwin Room as the last batch of hopefuls – The Masons, Condensed Milk, The Dums, The Peppermints and CHOMP – battle it out for a grand final berth. The bands bring everything they’ve got in front of a vocal crowd. It’s the last chance to catch the competition before the big showdown.
Ali Lamb
View this post on Instagram
- 10 September
- Free entry
Ali Lamb steps into The Espy for a night of sharp songwriting and live energy. Her first-ever headline show comes in celebration of the launch of her second EP, Between The Lines, and the intimate setting suits her style perfectly. Grab a drink and settle in for a strong midweek set.
Maiden Australia – The Iron Maiden Tribute Show
View this post on Instagram
- 13 September
- Tickets here
Maiden Australia brings the full Iron Maiden experience to the Gershwin Room with all the riffs, theatrics and classic hits. The tribute does the catalogue justice with high-energy performances of the big anthems. Metal fans will feel right at home for this one.
Sunday Lemonade
View this post on Instagram
- 19 September
- Tickets here
Fresh off their first European tour and the August release of their debut EP The Forest To The Sea, indie-folk duo Sunday Lemonade bring their sunny, infectious sound to the Espy Basement. Loz and Tyson’s rich harmonies and heartfelt storytelling shine through, mixing warmth, optimism and a touch of rom-com charm.
The Ians
View this post on Instagram
- 26 September
- Tickets here
The Ians take over the Basement on AFL Grand Final night for a high-energy rock ‘n’ roll party alongside supports INDTIKO & Walls and Waves. Promising shredding riffs and wild stage presence, it’ll be the perfect way to cap off a big day. Come for the tunes and the classic Espy atmosphere.
Grand Finale | The Espy Battle Of The Bands
- 27 September
- Tickets here
The Battle Of The Bands grand final lands in the Gershwin Room with Charlotte Bridie and Everlyne already locked in among the finalists. The winner walks away with serious prizes including cash, a St Kilda Festival slot and more. It’s the big night where Melbourne’s best new acts go all out.
To find out everything The Espy has going on this month, head here.
This article was made in partnership with The Espy.
