Tucked away in Surry Hills, the Hollywood Quarter (HQ Sydney) is home to some of Sydney's hottest venues for films, LA-style cocktails, live music and DJs spinning vinyl. In April, this hospo hotspot is turning up the volume with the Great Southern Nights Gig Trail.
Set to hit the Hills from midday on Saturday, April 5, Great Southern Nights Gig Trail will showcase a range of epic bites, beverages—peep Tio's excellent marg selection, and a curated lineup of free live performances across 10 of the quarter’s standout venues. Oh, and did we mention the surprise street performances set to take place around every corner?
The Lowdown
Great Southern Nights is a 17-night festival that celebrates Australia’s music industry, attracting good-time enthusiasts and culture seekers to the area in question's best live music venues. ARIA's CEO Annabelle Herd describing it as a "vibrant celebration" that keeps doors open and allows the streets to come alive with great music.
In the trail’s Hollywood Quarter pitstop, expect multicultural sounds from a roaming band of Sydney’s top musicians. We're talking Moroccan melodies, New Orleans jazz, Haitian rhythms, French chanson, and unexpected musical mashups bound to turn heads and move the hips of those walking by. Buskers will also hit the streets for some homegrown entertainment in-between stops.
For The Gig-Lovers
From soul and funk to indie rock, jazz, and house beats, HQ Sydney is all set to deliver a soundtrack for every taste as a part of the Great Southern Nights Gig-Trail.
There's no better way to kick off your trail experience than with a lunchtime session at Alberto's Lounge, where good food, music, wine, and company meet on an equal footing. This Italian-inspired intimate setting is as loyal to the Italy of Lygon Street as it is to the alleyways of Rome. And who better to pay tribute to Rome’s underground scene than the Vinyl princess DJ Foxy Fuzz herself spinning soulful sounds all arvo? Bookings are a must.
If you love a two-step, the Sydney/Eora-based DJ Max Cherry’s set at the Hollywood Hotel will be right up your alley. A lover of all things UKG and jungle, this fashionable it-girl knows her way around a set of decks and will bring a touch of bassline and hard groove to the Great Southern Nights dancefloor. Secure your ticket here.
Jazz more your thing? Get astral with it and head to Paramount House’s iconic rooftop for a live jazz recital curated by composer and producer of Jagwar Ma, Jono Ma (also known as Space Is The Place). This sunset hour event will feature the improvisers and jazz musicians BELIEVE and Vinyl sets by Jono and multi-instrumentalist Jackson Mico Milas.
Check out the full epic lineup of in-venue gigs here.
Boogie Fuelling Bites and Beverages
Find yourself a sunny spot at Poly for what is iconically named their Apolytivo—a top-tier offering of delicious drinks and food at 'happy hour' prices. After a few Aperols in the sun, head down to Butter and get ready to experience a sit-down session with Western Sydney artist Grentperez as he deep dives into the flavours and stories of his Filipino heritage.
Park up at Pellegrino 2000 and prepare to be serenaded to the side streets of Italy as you listen to the Troubadours over Frito Misto and Steak Tagliata.
For more where that came from, feast al-fresco at Nomad with a Mezze-inspired lunch boasting wood-fired flatbread, harissa chicken skewers, zucchini flowers, and the must-order labneh with confit chilli oil. From here, flow into the evening with a few rounds of $12 Margs from Tio’s.
Finally, when the late-night munchies come knocking, head upstairs from the Ace Hotel’s Lobby to Kiln for a loaded snack menu featuring everything from rhubarb-infused rock oysters and shiso spatchcock to DJ tunes and 18th-floor views.
If this sounds like your ideal Saturday, check out everything planned for the Great Southern Nights’ Gig Takeover of Hollywood Quarter and we’ll see you on April 5th.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Hollywood Quarter and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.
Images: Hollywood Quarter