Is it too soon for a beach day? Probably. But it’s never too soon for the Espy.
With waterfront views, cold brews and heaters to keep you cosy, there’s a reason it’s a favourite. Somehow equal parts classy and rowdy, we love The Espy with our whole hearts.
It’s not only one of the best places in St Kilda for pints and chats, but it’s also a top spot for a good old-fashioned boogie, with killer DJs and live acts happening every week.
So, what’s The Espy offering up this month? You’ll just have to find out for yourself.
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
Sunami and Outta Pocket
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- 5 September
- Tickets here
Get ready for a brutal hardcore/metal riot as Sunami and Outta Pocket storm the Gershwin Room. Think bruising beatdown, face-melting riffs and absolutely no apologies, it’s a punch to the eardrums in the best way possible. They’ll be joined by Skorn, Threshold, Nowhere2Run and Resurrect. This is your chance to witness California hardcore legends unleashing mayhem on our local stage. Bring earplugs.
Mister Sippy
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- 7 September
- Free entry
Lazy Sunday funday alert: Mister Sippy coast into the Basement with three sets of Mississippi Hill Country-inspired R&B. With smooth grooves, playful vibes and a set that’s as relaxing as it is enthralling, it’s the perfect no-cost, low-stakes entry into what The Espy does best.
Willie J’s 6V6S Espy Residency
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- 11 September
- Free entry
Willie J’s keep the rock-n’-roll flame burning in the Basement with their raw, unplugged riffs and gritty, no-frills charm. If you’re craving authenticity, spontaneity, and that unmistakable Espy basement buzz, this one’s for you, and did we mention it’s free?
The Shinkicks
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- 12 September
- Tickets here
The Shinkicks, or rather, “Shinnies”, are strapping on their boots and bringing the kind of foot-stomping, classic rock swagger that’ll have the whole Gershwin shaking. Supported by their good friends Cass Aware, there will be shaking boots and rebellion, hand-delivered with a grin.
Incredible local photographer and creative, @madewithlovebyfinn, took the perfect shot to capture the absolute bliss felt when we found out the shinnies were playing.
DROP IT LIKE IT’S HOT: 90s + 00s Hip Hop, R&B Party
- 12 September
- Tickets here
Get your nostalgia groove on with a feel-good romp through the best of ’90s and ’00s hip hop and R&B. Picture your favourite jams like Ms. Jackson, No Scrubs, Hot in Herre”, all served with a side of old-school swagger. It’s a vibe-heavy, crew-gathering kind of night. Your inner preteen will thank you.
Nana’s Pie with Friends
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- 18 September
- Tickets here
Brisbane’s indie-rock up-and-comers Nana’s Pie bring heartfelt sing-alongs and nostalgic riffs to The Espy, featuring Joan & the Giants, Seb Szabo, and Rod Coote. Expect vulnerability turned knockout live anthems, with soaring choruses that stick in your head for days. This is a hometown gig for your heart and your playlist.
CHI WOW WAH CITY – The Doors Tribute Experience
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- 19 September
- Tickets here
Prepare to be transported into a psychedelic time warp, as CHI WOW WAH CITY and DJ Uone turn The Espy into a deep house Doors odyssey. Expect moody visuals, trippy props, and groove-laden remixes of Light My Fire and Riders on the Storm. It’s half concert, half acid trip, utterly immersive and gloriously surreal.
ALERA
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- 20 September
- Tickets here
It’s the final encore of Alera’s post-hardcore debut EP Beware The Snake, freshly crawling back from a two-year hiatus to deliver every thunderous riff live, in full. Prepare for bruising beats, raw emotion, and an atmosphere so tight you’ll feel the bass reverberate in your bones. Say goodbye in style, because this intimate basement send-off.
Elly McK & The Unbelievers
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- 21 September
- Free entry
Wind down your September with some rootsy, alt-country soul in the Basement. Elly McK & The Unbelievers deliver twangy grit, harmony-laden heartache, and soul-stirring storytelling, plus, it’s totally free. Coming in hot off the release of their charting single Don’t Stay Away, they’ll be offering a sweet, heartwarming end to the week.
The Smith Street Band
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- 26 September
- Tickets here
The punk-folk band hit the Gershwin Room with raw emotion and blistering energy. With new tunes like Star Child and classic hits in tow, it’ll be one tear-inducing, pogo-inducing night of Australian storytelling in full roar. Get ready for camaraderie, sweat, and lyrics that punch deep.
Find out everything happening at the Espy here.
This article was made in partnership with the Espy.
