The Empress Hotel in North Fitzroy has over 8000 live gigs under it's belt and is turning twenty five this year. They are celebrating their longevity as a venue with five big shows featuring a selection of bands, old and new.
The Empress stage was and still is a welcome training ground for new artists, as well as a unique venue for established musicians to perform intimately to their audience.
In 25 years, the pub has overcome neighbourhood noise complaints, oppressive licensing laws, rampant
gentrification of North Fitzroy, the introduction of financially crippling (but necessary) anti-smoking laws, the rise of HBO television and a stolen cash register to keep on "being there".
The lovely Empress has hosted everyone from The White Stripes, Augie March and Thee Oh Sees (USA), to local dynamite performers such as Spencer P Jones, Lanie Lane, The Drones and a plethora of local
legends.
Its a quirky little pub filled with character. Speaking of which, none has more character than the pub's eccentric and clamorous owner Sandra Eunson, who plays a big part in what makes the Empress what it is and has more stories to tell than even she can remember. Chat to her and see for yourself.
To celebrate the good ol' days (and the very good new ones) The Empress is hosting five special shows in
July. They feature some of the pub's favourite alumni:
Wednesday 18th – Whitaker w/ Very Special Guests
$15 + bf /
$18 on the door
Thursday 19th – Jen Cloher & The Merri Creek Pickers w/ Matt Green Band
Free Entry
Friday 20th – Cash Savage & The Last Drinks
w/ The Merri Creek Pickers and The Nymphs
$15 + bf / $18 on the door
Saturday 21st – Aleks & The Ramps w/ Montero and Velcro
$15 + bf / $15 on the door
Sunday 22nd – The Bedroom Philosopher w/ D.D Dumbo and The Basics DJs
$15 + bf / $15 on the door
