The Toff in Town. The place in the city where you can escape the hustle and bustle, yet still be fully amongst it.
Highlighting some stellar live music, comedy and arts entertainment this month – you’re in for a treat if you head upstairs in May.
The Toff in Town has always done it different. May at The Toff is no exception to the rule. Some killer live music acts, sci-fi celebration shows and popstar release parties – just to scratch the surface. Get to The Toff this May if you’re in need of a good time.
Jazz and Jaffles
- Thursday, 2 May
- Boubacar Gaye Qaurtet (Ausecuma Beats), Firetail (modern jazz fusion), ON – LY (modern jazz fusion) and Moor Street DJs each week
Every week, Moor Music’s Jazz and Jaffles takes over the Toff, offering a blast from the past in the best way. Bringing together a rotating cast of local musicians and a nostalgia-tinged menu, the event makes for the ultimate date night or get-together with friends. Jazz and Jaffles is a feast for the senses: toasty bread and melty cheese wafting out from the kitchen, sweet grooves echoing from the stage, the warm and inviting atmosphere in the Toff’s cozy lounge… chef’s kiss.
Bubble
- May 3: Floss Dogg – Dr. Condiments – Tuff Trax
- May 10: Coldpast – Dem Large
- May 17: Coldpast – Hysteric
- May 24: Coldpast – Tuff Trax – Smutlee and PJ Bridger in bandroom (more info below)
- May 31: Tuff Trax – Billie Jean
Every Friday night at The Toff, with free entry from 10pm onwards, Melbourne’s exceptional UKG promoters Bubble are taking over The Carriage and bringing with them some of the best in the business including UK DJ PJ Bridger who we hype below as well as local legends like Tuff Trax and Coldpast.
Austral
- Friday, May 3rd
- With Maggie Rigby
As their song suggests, Austral are turning The Toff into a Throwdown Hoedown on May 3rd and taking no hostages. The enigmatic four piece produce high-energy celtic tunes that will set the dancefloor alight with pipes, fiddles, percussion and even the odd didgeridoo. Supported on the night by folk songwriter Maggie Rigby.
Friday Club
- No Era, Hijack and Mizhap selecting in May
- Every Friday night from 11pm until 5am, free entry before midnight
Mizhap, No Era and Hijack are all exceptional DJs with plenty of hip hop and RnB credential, many decades of combined experience behind the decks. Mizhap in particular has a unique highly-rhythmic style and plenty of confidence and attitude. They all combine for a high-tempo club night every Friday this month.
Rhythm Express: DJ JNETT and friends
- Every Saturday in The Carriage
- Kiti and Dan Beck on May 4
- DJ JNETT and Colette on May 18
- DJ JNETT and Tai Jae on May 18
- DJ JNETT playing all night May 25
You’ll recognise DJ JNETT from ABC’s Recovery or heard her voice on Melbourne’s PBS.fm. She’s known for carting crates of wax around Melbourne and spinning deep house, techno, funk, soul, disco, dub, reggae and hip-hop throughout the club scene by night while helming the iconic Central Station Records by day. She curates every Saturday in The Toff’s Carriage and this month, will be playing all night long herself on May 25.
Star Tease: Episode 6
- Saturday May 4th
Annual Star Wars day (or May The Fourth) is being celebrated in style at The Toff this year. A huge lineup of talented drag, burlesque and cabaret acts will be performing a matineé show inspired by all your sci-fi favourites; Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who – you name it, it’s probably being referenced. Oh, there’s also a prize for best dressed – so come in your best cosplay!
Ballare
- Saturday May 4th
- Hosted by Mondo Ritmo
The Toff is going to BOUNCE on May 4th. Mondo Ritmo is back to host an evening of deep global rhythms. Part world music, part discotheque, all parts groove. Come for the music, stay for the party!
Now. Here. This.
- Tuesday, 7 May
- DJ Colette 9pm and closing set
- NHT All Star Band live from 11:30pm
- Free entry
Now.Here.This at The Toff in Town is a Melbourne community fueled by passion and innovation, transforming jam sessions into a global phenomenon. Each week the underground jazz scene grows, and queues of punters gather down Swanston Street eager to gain entry. The venue peaks at capacity, and music pulsates. It goes late and it gets wild!
The Consonance of Hip Hop and D&B
- Friday May 10th
- With JÄEGER and Rosella (MASH UP), MC Melroid (Hip Hop MC), HankSkorpio (Hip Hop MC), Reality Never Dies (Poet & MC), Mannix (D&B DJ), SK4NK (D&B DJ), The Flow Faerie Faeded Faerie
An absolutely STACKED lineup of MCs, DJs and poets will be manning the decks/stage come May 10th at The Toff. A massive night of Hip Hop and D&B will revolutionise your status on beats. There is truly something for everyone on Naarms, Hip Hop, D&B, inner-city night-of-nights.
Bel Kil
- Saturday May 11th
- With Mood Spill
Bel Kil produces pop music that transcends the “pop” genre. Funky basslines smother the soft, laden vocals with gravy, as squealing synths scream for attention overhead. Set to launch her new single Rose Street, Bel Kil’s funk, synth heavy pop music will surely turn heads and get hearts racing on May 11th. Supported by smooth indie-rockers Mood Spill.
Decadance
- Saturday May 11th
- With The D Word & Jack Popper
Hop aboard the Decadance express! DJs, The D Word and Jack Popper are your co-pilots for the night; stopping no stations, express to euphoria. Your in-flight entertainment is ‘body-moving’ performed by you, and your in-flight meal is 5 star house music, served on a bed of all things disco.
Hit Me Hard and Soft – Billie Eilish release party
- Friday May 17th
Billy Eyelash. Bill E.Lidge. William Wile-ish. However you say it, Billie Eilish is a household name and will be for a while yet! Her huge new album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, is set for release on May 17th and The Toff has you covered with a massive release party – where you can share all your sad-girl stories with like-minded individuals.
PJ Bridger (UK)
- Friday May 24th
- With Osmosis Jones, IsGwan, KJONES & Trustee
Bristol’s own PJ Bridger is gracing Australian shores this May and his luggage ain’t just carry-on. He’s got a LARGE suitcase filled to the brim with eclectic beats of all genres; garage, house, electronica, d&b. His back catalogue of big-name artist nods, has him purchasing extra baggage allowance on its own. May 24th is set to take-flight and you’re invited to an all-expenses-included trip like no other! With support from Osmosis Jones, IsGwan, KJONES & Trustee.
Pizza Death
- Saturday May 25th
- With Totally Unicorn & R.U.B
The death of pizza may not have come about just yet, but you might want to smash a slice after you’ve been absolutely annihilated by crusty, pizza-themed heavy metal outfit Pizza Death. You’ll completely forget that they’re food themed while you’re thrashing about in the mosh, but will subconsciously be craving some cheese, pepperoni and tomato. Supported by math-rock/hardcore outfit Totally Unicorn and D.I.Y punkers R.U.B.
Olympia
- Thursday May 30th
You might be there thinking, “Olympia? How do I know that name?”. Well, it could be the small town on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece or, you could remember the 2016 hit song Smoke Signals by unique indie-pop artist Olympia. Back with new music in 2024 with some awesome hard-hitting rock songs, Olympia is bringing her funky, upbeat indie-pop to The Toff to launch her new EP with an intimate solo set.
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