The Vineyard, like the rickety rollercoaster that overshadows it, is a St Kilda institution.
Live music has been free-flowing at The Vineyard for more than 30 years. It’s a full-bodied mix of maritime, techno and punk aromas with hints of The Tea Party and wild afterparties from members of The Dandy Warhols and Public Enemy.
Famous for its highly sought-after location. Stroll down the esplanade, past Luna Park and into the O’Donnell Gardens and you’ll see its bustling courtyard in full-flight.
Infamous for…it’s a 200-year-old venue in the middle of St Kilda, so it’s seen some shit. It’s a hark back to the suburb’s glory days and a small oasis from its relentless gentrification.
The Vineyard occupies such a central place in the eclectic beachside suburb that an afternoon people-watching from its beer garden captures a menagerie of life more diverse than a trek through the Amazon.
The building predates St Kilda’s familiar geography, starting life in 1886 as a boat shed that serviced small vessels running along a creek behind it. Needless to say, there hasn’t been running water through Acland Street any time recently (except torrents of spilled VB).
It was transformed into a petite European style café in 1906 by Italian architect Carlo Catani (of Catani Gardens) and became a thumping live music venue in the 1990s. The Iodice brothers, Johnny, Alex and Adrian, took over in ‘99 and have been “sailing this little boat shed seven days and nights a week” ever since.
Its live music cache continues to swell thanks to its launch of Live Fridays, a weekly celebration of homegrown talent and electrifying performances every Friday night. On July 5 it’ll host Infinity Sessions (featuring James Peden, Ivofonic, Caity Watson and more). $15 tickets with all proceeds going to the artists.
“St Kilda has a rich musical heritage, and we are committed to nurturing its future by providing a stage for talented local bands to showcase their artistry,” the team say. “Whether you’re a fan of rock, indie, garage, hip hop and electronic live music there will be something for everyone to enjoy at St Kilda Live Fridays.”
