Your lazy Sundays just got a little sweeter.
In a move set to delight Melbourne’s live music devotees, Richmond’s storied Corner Hotel has unveiled a series of free Sunday afternoon gigs in its intimate front bar space. The new Front Bar Sessions kick off February 9, promising a fresh take on the weekend wind-down.
The series marks a return to form for the beloved venue, which has been experimenting with different formats since the pandemic. These casual sessions aim to capture the distinctly Melbourne experience of whiling away a Sunday afternoon with quality tunes and cold beer.
Corner Hotel Sunday Sessions
- Feb 9 – Kim Salmon
- Feb 23 – Winter McQuinn & Acacia Pip + friends
- Mar 2 –Gena Rose Bruce
- Doors at 3pm
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Punk legend Kim Salmon leads the charge on the opening weekend, bringing his raw energy to the stripped-back setting. The following sessions feature rising folk duo Winter McQuinn and Acacia Pip (February 23), followed by indie darling Gena Rose Bruce (March 2).
The programming strikes a careful balance between established names and emerging talent, reflecting the Corner’s longstanding role in Melbourne’s music ecosystem. It’s a welcome addition to the city’s live music calendar, which has seen various venues testing new formats to draw punters back to live shows.
Backed by the federal government’s Revive Live initiative, these sessions represent a broader push to reinvigorate Australia’s live music scene. The Corner’s approach – free entry, early starts, and an emphasis on local talent – seems perfectly calibrated for the current moment.
The Front Bar’s layout, with its weathered wooden floors and classic pub aesthetics, provides an ideal backdrop for these intimate performances. It’s a space that has witnessed countless impromptu jam sessions and pre-show gatherings over the decades.
While the current run of shows only extends through early March, there’s potential for extension if the series finds its audience. Given Melbourne’s appetite for quality live music in relaxed settings, these sessions might just become a regular fixture in the city’s cultural calendar.
For more on the Corner Hotel’s upcoming events, head here.
