If you want to experience some killer comedy without leaving the south side this festival season, look no further than the Espy.
This month, the Espy is hosting not one, not two, but FIVE nights of live comedy featuring an ever-changing cast of some of the city’s favourite local gems. You might not know exactly what you’re getting yourself into, but don’t fret – we guarantee it’ll be hilarious.
On top of that, the venue will also have live music galore. From a party dedicated to one of Latin America’s hottest musicians to single releases, debut Australian appearances and tried-and-true local legends, there’s a whole lot going on, so let’s get up into it.
For the latest news and lineups for every Melbourne festival, head here.
Comedy at the Espy | Melbourne International Comedy Festival
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Zachary James and Jordan Turner are bringing the heat to the Espy Basement with a stacked night of stand-up as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Fans should prepare for sharp one-liners, big laughs and a rotating cast of killer local comics that always deliver.
BAILE INoLVIDABLE: Bad Bunny Appreciation Party -Melbourne
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- 5 April
- Tickets here
No Future is throwing one hell of a Bad Bunny appreciation party in the Gershwin Room. The DJs will be pumping out all the biggest reggaeton and Latin hits – Bad Bunny, Rosalía, Karol G and more – turning the Espy into a non-stop dancefloor. If you’re into high-energy Latin vibes, this Sunday sesh is an absolute must.
Nashville Fridays | Katie Jayne, Dakota East, Will Rounds
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- 10 April
- Tickets here
Melbourne’s favourite country night is back at the Gershwin and it’s shaping up to be a beauty. Katie Jayne, Dakota East and Will Rounds will be belting out all the big Nashville anthems while the Queens Country crew gets everyone line dancing. Chuck on the boots, because the Espy is going full honky tonk.
Wet Bandits
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- 10 April
- Tickets here
The Wet Bandits are bringing their sun-soaked indie rock sound to the Espy Basement. With millions of streams under their belt and a stack of catchy releases, these boys know how to throw a big Friday night party.
ASCENSION – Breaknbread Battles
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- 11 April
- Tickets here
Breaknbread Productions is back with ASCENSION, a fresh battle rap event at the Gershwin. Prepare for sharp bars, high stakes and plenty of fire as the next wave of Aussie MCs go head to head. It’s going to be intense, passionate and a whole lot of fun.
RAWKUS Live (All Ages Event)
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- 12 April
- Tickets here
RAWKUS Live is lighting up the Basement with an all-ages Sunday arvo of emerging Melbourne bands, including Bonita Habils, Jasmin Adria, Stockings, Milkpunch and Capgun. From shoegaze to post-punk and everything in between, it’s a cracking lineup of young talent doing their thing. It’ll be family-friendly, drug and alcohol free and full of good vibes.
Bryan Martin
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- 16 April
- Tickets here
Bryan Martin is hitting the Espy with his outlaw country swagger on the We Ride Down Under Tour. The rising star will be bringing raw anthems and that gritty American edge that’s winning him fans everywhere on his first-ever Australian tour.
Todd Kem
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- 16 April
- Free entry
Todd Kem is swinging through the Basement with his coastal indie-folk sound for a free entry show. Bringing laid-back vibes, heartfelt storytelling and that easy Aussie charm, he’ll deliver a chilled-out Thursday night option.
Darcy Baker
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- 17 April
- Tickets here
Local pop-punk hero Darcy Baker is headlining the Basement with his Maybe St Kilda Can Be Our Home show. At this exclusive headline show, he’ll be unleashing his brand new single Climbing Green alongside supports Kevin Silvester, Sick Visor and Offset Vision.
Chasing Abbey
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- 17 April
- Tickets here
Irish electronic trio Chasing Abbey are bringing their award-winning party sound to the Gershwin Room. With infectious beats, massive hooks and non-stop energy, these boys know how to make Friday nights unforgettable.
Rock Academy 43 Live
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- 18 April
- Tickets here
The Rock Academy crew is taking over for their massive 43rd live showcase. Over 65 young guns from all over Victoria have been mentored by legends like Jackson Phelan, Beatrice Lewis and Jess Elwood, writing originals and smashing covers after a week of holiday workshops. All-ages, high-energy and full of that infectious teenage rock ‘n’ roll spirit – grab the fam and come cheer on Melbourne’s next wave of legends.
Raptor w/ Wrendrive & Swordfish
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- 18 April
- Tickets here
Melbourne rockers Raptor is leading a huge night of raw rock in the Basement alongside Wrendrive and Swordfish. Expect high-energy riffs, loud guitars and that classic Espy rock ‘n’ roll chaos.
Gypsy Lee
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- 23 April
- Free entry
Gypsy Lee is back in the Basement after a sold-out debut show for another free entry banger. Bringing fresh indie-pop tunes and feel-good energy, this is the perfect low-key show for a Thursday night. Just turn up and enjoy the vibes.
Playlunch
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- 24 April
- Tickets here
Bogan-funk legends Playlunch are taking over the Gershwin with their nostalgic, high-energy good times on the Sex Ed Regional Tour. Get ready to dance, sing along to Aussie-themed classics and relive your best suburban memories.
Delsinki & The Quiet Coachmen
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- 24 April
- Tickets here
Delsinki and The Quiet Coachmen are rolling into the Espy Basement with their newfangled Australiana for this century’s roaring ’20s and it’s gonna be a ripper. Joined by the excellent Interesting Cowboy and Caitlin Rizzoli, they’re serving up a night of alt-country, folk and alternative tunes.
Royal Drue
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- 25 April
- Tickets here
Royal Drue is throwing a proper party to celebrate his new single Katy and it’s gonna be a wild one. Elle Murphy opens with some absolute bangers before Royal Drue hits you with unreleased tracks and old favourites.
The Hornstars
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- 26 April
- Free entry
The Hornstars are back in the Basement to shake off those Sunday blues with two massive sets of soulful, funky grooves. Free entry means no excuses – just rock up, hit the bar and let the good vibes roll.
To keep up with everything happening at the Espy, head here.
This article was made in partnership with the Espy.
