Club Acoustica - Reviews

Begun in 1998 at Oxford Street’s La Bar the concept was born of a shared vision between Michael Hardwick and Martin Contempree to create a recognised and revered performance space for original singers, songwriters and musicians in which to present their words and music.

The legendary Basement then offered them the opportunity to present a monthly showcase of the ‘cream of the crop’ artists they came across at their weekly showcases. So successful has that move been that on Tuesday September 16th they celebrate their 35th monthly showcase!

Club Acoustica has now presented close to three hundred showcases in total featuring over twelve hundred original artists from all over Australia, been involved with Australian and international festivals including the Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival and One World Beat, released a Live at The Basement Vol 1 compilation CD, and developed a radio presence with its weekly Wednesday night AcousticA show on 2SER 107.3 FM, where they play solely Australian content and have weekly studio guests performing live.

With Club Acoustica showcases currently happening in Sydney, Parramatta, Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Adelaide its steady rise in profile is as much a testament to the depth of quality artists in this country as to Club Acoustica’s organic vision. With the imminent opening of rooms in Melbourne, Canberra and Byron Bay the brand is set to become a national concern providing a nurturing and supportive environment for artists to present their wares.

Club Acoustica evenings provide the audience with an opportunity to actively and intimately share the sonic and visual creativity that is live performance. Their shows embrace all musical genres including rock, pop, blues, folk, country, jazz, poetry and world. The unifying theme is one of remarkable original songwriting, excellence of performance and the absence of amplification.

Though well known artists such as Jimmy Little, Ian Moss, Nigel Kennedy, Ross Ryan, Diana Ah Naid, Stella One Eleven, Peter Cupples, Skulker, Pete Murray, Charlton Hill, Glenn Cardier, Eric Weiderman and Monique Brumby have graced their stages, Club Acoustica is equally committed to providing a stepping stone for developing artists and helping create a national performance and touring network that focuses on original music and creativity.

The Club Acoustica website features a regularly updated gig guide and news section, sound bites from the Basement Showcases album, plus a resource of literally hundreds of profiles and web links for original Australian artists and music associations.

After an association of nearly five years La Bar was recently sold and closed for renovations which necessitated a move to a new room. Their new weekly home on Wednesday nights at Candy’s Apartment (formerly The Kardomah) has proved to be a winner with artists and punters alike with its atmospheric interior and excellent acoustics, not to mention the stunning array of mirror balls!

Run by a small and dedicated team Club Acoustica’s altruistic endeavours are to be congratulated and, take it from Fresh, you could do worse than turning off the TV and heading out to see and support some local talent at one of their many shows, you'll be surprised by the discoveries and just how many talented artists there are that you may never heard of in this country!