To help keep this place going during recent times, it’s been the preferred choice for many walks from Ultimo to Newtown where much of extra curricular life tends to be. Bit of a younger crowd with it being at the epicentre of UNE, UTS and Sydney University, but though their comedy nights can be hit and miss sometimes, it’s always a great Thursday night. The choices are always ones of habit, Mary’s burger and the chicken wing snackpack as visits here will typically revolve around the bar because it’s that kind of familiarity and routine that works in this place. Comfortable. Reliable.
Almost 200 venues have reportedly shut down since the lockout laws were introduced four years ago, driving out the creative communities that once fuelled Sydney’s nightlife, music and cultural scene.
Granted a new 5am lockout-free licence, Sydney’s longest-serving live music venue The Lansdowne has teamed up with The Baron Samedi to present a weekly late-nightmusic event designed to bring people together as they take back the night!
The iconic Sydney venue The Lansdowne Hotel, has launched a new late-night music series specially curated to awaken the night and recreate a time when Sydney nightlife was vibrant. The Baron Samedi – an expert in resurrection – has partnered with them in celebration.
To launch the partnership, Australian music mogul Stephen ‘Pav’ Pavlovic, known for touring with influential artists including Nirvana, Beastie Boys, Foo Fighters and Daft Punk, has curated an epic line-up, bringing back classic Modular moments with DJ sets from Kim & Julian (The Presets), Robbie & Tony (The Avalanches), and Beni & Jamie (Bang Gang) as well as Stoney Roads DJs.
On his involvement, influential nightlife creator Stephen Pavlovic said: “Full praise to the guys at The Lansdowne and The Baron Samedi for getting behind the creative nightlife and inviting me to get involved. Sydney was once renowned for hosting legendary music nights that brought people together for their love of music, but since the lockout laws were introduced, we have seen a rapid decline in nightlife culture. It’s essential that we continue to have a voice and come together to support our industry and Keep Sydney Open.”
The Lansdowne Hotel co-owner Jake Smyth comments on the collaboration: “When we re-opened our doors in 2017 it was said that we were returning from the grave, anew. We’ve always believed in the power of live music in resurrecting Sydney’s culture and creating killer vibes. We’re stoked to partner with The Baron Samedi to present Saturday nights. Events that run till 5am and get people dancing till dawn is exactly what Sydney nightlife needs.”
The new weekly Saturday night party has been developed through a shared passion for a vibrant and creative Sydney nightlife – combining all the elements that make it a reality; the venue, the music, and the people.
Guests at the launch event were also treated to sets by Stoney Roads DJs, Mary’s pizzas and The Baron Samedi’s signature cocktail ‘Summon the Baron’, while listening to an impressive programming schedule curated to breathe creative life back into the city.
The new weekly party kicks off every Saturday with musical acts including Bill Kardashian (Motorik), Reenie (Green Buzzard), Estée Louder and Mix Mouse, between 10pm and 5am at The Lansdowne Hotel, Chippendale.