Nestled in the old Metropolis house on Sydney Road, The Brunswick Ballroom is one of Melbourne’s finest live music venues.
With a rich and varied history as a hat factory, a nightclub, a reception venue, and The Spotted Mallard, The Ballroom has now secured the prestigious Music Victoria Award for “Best Small Venue (Metro),” – a remarkable feat considering the stiff competition from many beloved spaces such as Northcote Social Club, Shotkickers, and The Night Cat. This accolade is a testament to the Ballroom’s swift ascent to prominence since its reopening in early 2021 after an extensive refurbishment.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The transformation of the Brunswick Ballroom is a tale of resurrection and reinvention. And, its evolution into a contemporary cultural hub has not only been recognised but celebrated. The Music Victoria Award bestowed upon the venue in the “Best Small Venue” category (reserved for spaces with a capacity under 500 people), is a nod to the Ballroom’s intimate charm and seamless fusion of nostalgic ambience with modern amenities.
Ascending a dramatic staircase from street level, visitors are immersed in David Parker’s photographic exhibition “A Cool World”, which captures Melbourne’s musical legacy from the ’70s and ’80s through black and white stills. The newly revamped Ballroom itself is visually stunning, inspired by the iconic ’90s Prahran Continental Café. The interior is adorned with brocade wallpaper and breath-taking stained-glass windows inspired by Leonard French. The light-filled space has a nostalgic allure and provides the perfect setting for intimate performances – drawing in the likes of The Murlocs, Courtney Barnett, Grace Cummings, Tim Rogers, and Cool Sounds.
Allysha Joy
In December, Allysha Joy will join that wonderful list alongside Special Feelings and members of her band, 30/70, DJing.
Joy, who is best known for spearheading Melbourne’s international jazz reputation with 30/70, is also highly-regarded for her solo work. Her music is eclectic in a masterful way, with unique poeticism like Patti Smith and uncharted chord progressions like Blonde Redhead. Her art challenges the concept of genre, as she draws on elements of new-wave post punk, neo-soul, and jazz funk to tell stories through sound and movement.
She’ll be playing a very special Sailor Jerry’s presents (with some tantalising drinks specials) show at the Ballroom on December 7. Tickets here.
Ballroom Mixtapes
Adding to the excitement, the Brunswick Ballroom is hosting the ‘Ballroom Mixtapes’ series in collaboration with ALWAYS LIVE as part of the ALWAYS LIVE 2023 celebration. Supported by the Victorian Government through Visit Victoria, ALWAYS LIVE is a vibrant showcase of the contemporary live music scene in Victoria which aims to bring incredible artists throughout the state to the stage from November 24 to December 10.
What makes ALWAYS LIVE even more noteworthy is its commitment to supporting rising stars within the industry. With $1 from each participating ticket going directly to Support Act—a charity dedicated to nurturing up-and-coming musical talent—ALWAYS LIVE is not just a celebration of music; it’s a force for positive change.
The ‘Ballroom Mixtapes’ series promises to be a highlight of this year’s edition of ALWAYS LIVE, featuring a curated selection of Victoria’s best musical talent.
See the full program here.
From Ainslie Wills to The Orbweavers
On Saturday, December 2, The Counterfeit featuring Freya Josephine Hollick will transport you to the Wild West with the music of Ennio Morricone and a collection of Italian soundtracks from the most renowned Western films of the 1960s and 70s.
The following evening, on Sunday, December 3, Indigenous singer and songwriter Emma Donovan will deliver a soulful and moving performance, showcasing her new material and unveiling a brand-new single.
As the series crescendos on Saturday, December 9, The Orbweavers will debut their new single, ‘When it Rains in Broken Hill,’ in a seated show with a full band. The single serves as a teaser for their forthcoming album, ‘New Moon / Silver Moon,’ inspired by the various landscapes and textures of far West NSW.
On December 17, Ainslie Wills will grace the stage with an intimate solo and piano performance, presenting reimagined material and unveiling songs from her highly anticipated EP.
The Brunswick Ballroom’s recent accolade and its collaboration with ALWAYS LIVE underscore its status as a cultural gem in Melbourne. With a history rooted in the past and a vision set firmly on the future, the Ballroom continues to be a vital player in shaping the narrative of Victoria’s diverse and thriving music scene.
Check out what’s on at the Brunswick Ballroom here!
