The City of Sydney supports diverse and vibrant nightlife. That’s why, already this year, we’ve given more than $530,000 in funding to live music venues, theatres, bars and stores that trade late.
The Roosevelt in Kings Cross is bringing back the feel of an area once known for big talent in small, smoky nightspots.
The original Roosevelt was one of the first new-wave nightclubs in its era, combining chorus dancers with international artists and a big band. The performances would have been incredible to see, with dancers and comedy acts.
Some wonderful stories from the Roosevelt’s heyday have been recalled as the current owners have been in touch with previous entertainers.
Acts shared the stage with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr.
Ben Hickey and Naomi Palmer, co-owners of The Roosevelt, will pay homage to the prohibition era with their new live music offering.
“We’ll bring back live music of the 1940s and 50s with small 2 and 3-piece acts. But you never know what the future might hold,” they said. “Maybe one day we could return the venue to its multi-level glory, complete with its stunning domed ceiling.”
More late-night entertainment from our grant recipients
- Live programs for new Potts Point venue Boogie Mountain.
- Paid gigs for local buskers at the Shakespeare Hotel in Surry Hills.
- Refitting a second, 350 capacity music venue at the Metro Theatre in the city.
- New staging, audio and lighting to step-up live gigs at MoshPit in Newtown.
- Jazz and jam sessions at fast Redfern favourite, Moya’s Juniper Lounge.
- Venue upgrades for Griffin Theatre Company’s Stables Theatre in Darlinghurst and the Mercantile Hotel in The Rocks.
- Family friendly comedy nights at Cheers Bar.
- New jazz, roots, funk and world music on Sundays at Venue 505.
- Local live music at The Imperial Hotel in Erskineville.
- Better sound at Oxford Art Factory in Darlinghurst, The World Bar in Kings Cross, Hudson Ballroom in the city, Knox Street Bar, Freda’s in Chippendale and Staves Brewery in Glebe.
- A monthly program of music trivia, slam poetry and live music in the foyer of the City Recital Hall in the city.
- Live music and dining after midnight at Foundry 616 in Ultimo.
- Cabaret performances between theatre seasons at the Eternity Playhouse in Darlinghurst.
- Author talks at the Ariel Booksellers in Darlinghurst
- New floors, staging and lighting at the East Sydney Community and Arts Centre in Darlinghurst.
- Film score covers live at Golden Age Cinema and Bar.
We have injected a further $114,000 into 3 projects to support musicians on our stages:
- $70,000 for the Electronic Music Conference, an annual week of events for industry professionals.
- $26,000 for Sydney Venue Toolkit, a new website to help artists, curators and other industry professionals increase the number of live music and performance venues across the city.
- $18,000 for the Contemporary Music Roundtable, an annual national conference held at Erskineville Town Hall for industry professionals exchange knowledge.
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Published 9 July 2018, updated 29 February 2024
