It’s a tumultuous time for venues to be hosting live music in Sydney, what with the city’s cultural scene in a state of flux from the Government’s continued police crackdown and the reworking of liquor regulations at licensed venues, along with the City of Sydney Council’s proposed Cultural Policy that plans to reinvigorate the CBD.
All the more reason to value the venues that are promoting live music performance, and tucked over on Sydney’s inner-west suburbs, a recently opened venue in Balmain is now set to “swing open their red door” on weekly live gigs and monthly headline acts.
The Workers is a recently launched bar located on the first floor of 292 Darling Road, and is set to host a mix of up and coming talent, along with established headline acts at its main bar, to join their selection of food, exquisite cocktails and the bar’s characteristic interior design.
The new ‘Red Door Sets’ will see The Workers hosting free Thursday night shows from a four-week long resident artist, capping the month off with a feature artist, beginning with “gypsyrock’n’roller” Morgan Joanel, who began her acoustic set last Thursday and continues every week with a live set from 8pm.The new ‘Red Door Sets’ will see The Workers hosting free Thursday night shows from a four-week long resident artist,
Former Leonardo’s Bride vocalist (they of ‘Even When I’m Sleeping’ & ‘Sonic’ fame) Abby Dobson is set to join Joanel as the headline act on November 29. Dobson is best known as the co-founder of Leonardo’s Bride, as well as touring and collaborating with Paul Mac, supporting the likes of Tom Jones, Joe Jackson and Neil Finn on tour.
December will see Australia’s Got Talent singer-songwriter Owen Campbell taking up the residency, with former Superjesus frontwoman Sarah McLeod playing a headline set on the 27th.
Live music is a new addition to The Workers, after it was successfully opened a few months back by none other than Labour legend Bob Hawke, with the venue’s design containing several playful nods to the former Prime Minister as well as the site’s own history as a trades and labour hall that hosted the First Labour Electorate League.
In addition the free music line up, The Workers also offers a unique selection of pub gastronomy and drink specials to go with your new live music selections.
The news of another venue hosting live music is a another notch in the ‘positives’ column for Sydney’s live music scene, along with the recent announcement of the Kings Cross Festival, which launches next week and sees five days and nights of live music, arts, stalls, food, and social activities take over the popular late-night district.
Then there’s the recently revealed Newtown Social Club, which is in – somewhat controversially – occupying the former site of legendary pub, The Sando, a decision that the Sandringham’s former owner Tony Townsend welcomed, but would continue to fight the banks on what he sees as an ‘illegal sale’ of the venue.
The Workers Balmain Red Door Sets
November 15, 22 & 29
Weekly resident: Morgan Joanel
Feature Artist: Abby Dobson on the 29th
Price: Free
Doors Open: 5pm
Performance Starts: 8pm
December 6, 13, 20 & 27
Weekly Resident: Owen Campbell
Feature Artist: Sarah McLeod on the 27th
Price: Free
Doors Open: 5pm
Performance Starts: 8pm
Address: The Workers – 1/292 Darling Street Balmain (beside Adriano Zumbo)
Website: www.theworkersbalmain.com.au
Opening Hours: Wed-Sun from 5 pm ‘til late
