The Espy is one of the most versatile venues southside of the river.
All weekend long, its two stunning band rooms – the Gershwin and the basement – are bumping with everything from theme nights to rising stars.
This July, alongside a slew of dance parties, the venue is serving up a banquet of talent: time-tested rockers, queer indie pop, emerging emo and even some of the city’s most impressive underage performers.
Looking to fill up your calendar this winter? Read on.
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
Sharp Edges
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- 4 July
- Espy Basement
- Tickets here
From Melbourne’s south-east suburbs come Sharp Edges, classic rockers ready to bring the heat. For this edition of It’s Whatevers, they’ll be joined by alt-pop rock singer-songwriter Chloe Booth and shoegazers Scarlett Whine.
Clash of the ’90s
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- 4 July
- Espy Gershwin
- Tickets here
Come together to celebrate three of the most iconic albums of the ’90s. Alice In Chains’ Dirt will be performed by Alice Remains, Cuckoo For Caca will take on Faith No More’s Angel Dust, and Black Hole Sons will cap off the night by playing Soundgarden’s Superunknown.
HIGH NOON: Country Day Party
- 5 July
- Espy Gershwin
- Tickets here
Get ready to yeehaw your way through the day as the Espy spins country gems from Carrie Underwood to Kacey Musgraves all day long. Expect day drinking, boot scootin’ and all the good stuff at this beachside hoedown.
Loose End
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- Tickets here
It’s emo night in the basement, with three gems – Loose End, This Space Is Ours and Wasted Years – set to hit the stage. Melbourne pop punk five-piece Loose Ends will be celebrating the release of their latest single, so get down there and be ready to dance.
RAWKUS Live
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- 6 July
- Espy Basement
- Tickets here
This all-ages event returns for its sixth instalment, once more bringing dazzling local talent to the stage. This time, the lineup features folk rock singer-songwriter Nina Clare, charismatic young solo artist Leif Weingott, indie rock jangler Finn Kirby and high energy rockers R!SK.
The Tonalists
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- 6 July
- Espy Basement
- Free entry – register here
The Tonalists are bringing some sweet, free “soul blues swampadelica” to the stage this Sunday. Prepare for original songs and reimagined classics with a distinctly swampy edge, performed on hammond, lap steel and horns with delicious vocal harmonies.
Mamma Mia! The Musical Party
- 11 July
- Espy Gershwin
- Tickets here
Slip on your sparkliest jumpsuit, because here we go again! ABBA’s cult-classic musical is getting the love it deserves at this dance party, with DJs spinning all of the mega-hits all night long, as well as other iconic show tunes.
IXARAS
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- 12 July
- Espy Basement
- Tickets here
Queer queen IXARAS is bringing her bouncy brand of indie pop to the Espy for two arvo shows on her debut national headline tour. Hailing from Brisbane, she’s known for her hooky tracks and infectious energy, as well as her DIY shows held in basements, skateparks and more.
Atomic Hi-Tones
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- 13 July
- Espy Basement
- Free entry – register here
With 20 years of experience, it’s safe to say the Atomic Hi-Tones are one of Melbourne’s most tried-and-true rockabilly bands. Led by frontman Cliff Jolly, they’ll bring their signature grit and twang to this raucous free show.
GAZAL
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- 17 July
- Espy Basement
- Free entry – register here
Set to drop her debut EP Gods Into Frauds on July 11, notorious genre-bender GAZAL will be celebrating with a huge free Espy show. Renowned for her raw lyrics, relentless energy and experimental sounds, she’s one to watch, so get in while you can.
JAG
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- 18 July
- Espy Basement
- Tickets here
After a hiatus, the boys are finally back and they’ve got a brand new single to celebrate. At the Like Nobody Does launch party, these legendary rock ‘n’ rollers will be supported by alt-pop star Chloe Booth and dream boats Berkely.
Recession Pop Party!
- 25 July
- Espy Gershwin
- Tickets here
The best thing about the 2008 financial crisis? The absolute BOPS that came out of it. Let’s now muse too deeply on our current economic status – instead, let’s just bust it down to Kesha, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and the like.
British & Irish Lions Vs. Wallabies. Rugby Pre-Game Party
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- 26 July
- Espy Gershwin
- Tickets here
Get your pre-game on at this rowdy party ahead of the British & Irish Lions vs. Wallabies showdown at the MCG. The event will feature drinks, bites and live music by the iconic Oasis tribute band, Noasis.
Them & I
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- 26 July
- Espy Basement
- Tickets here
Alternative indie artist Them & I (also known as Jake Edwards) is embarking on his first tour and will be stopping by the Espy Basement for an intimate and unforgettable show. He’s best known for his vulnerable lyricism and melodic soundscapes.
Winter-A-Go-Go
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- 27 July
- Espy Basement
- Free entry – register here
This winter bash brings après ski energy to St Kilda. Melbourne four-piece The Agents of Reverb will be bringing their distinct surfy, spy-themed, ’60s funk to the floor, guaranteed to get the boogie started.
To find out everything happening at the Espy, head here.
This article was made in partnership with the Espy.
