Tag: music

Fortitude Valley Gears Up for a Trifecta of Pop Culture Events

As the winter chill sets in, Fortitude Valley is heating up with a trio of highly anticipated pop culture events that promise to bring music fans together in a vibrant celebration of iconic artists.

From Kylie Minogue’s birthday bash to a massive Kate Bush tribute and the annual Madonna party, the city is set to become a mecca for pop enthusiasts.

Read: Cruise Into the City’s Buzziest Spot With the New CityCat Service at Howard Smith Wharves

Here’s a closer look at the exciting lineup:

Kylie Minogue Party at Bloodhound Bar

Photo Credit: Supplied

Date: Saturday, June 8th, from 7pm
Venue: Bloodhound Bar, 454 Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley
Tickets: $15 per person (18+)

get your tickets here!

To commemorate Kylie Minogue’s birthday and make up for her absence from the cancelled Splendour in the Grass festival, the Bloodhound Bar is hosting a Kylie-themed extravaganza. Attendees can expect a dance floor, licensed bar, and a DJ spinning over three hours of back-to-back Kylie classics, ensuring a night of pure pop bliss.

Most “Wuthering Heights” Day Ever

Photo Credit: Supplied

Date: Saturday, July 20th, from 2pm
Venue: Frew Park, Frew St, Milton
Tickets: Donate to participate on-site or via www.kristianfletcher.com

Donate here!

In a truly unique celebration, over 200 participants will gather at Frew Park to re-enact Kate Bush’s iconic “Wuthering Heights” music video. Dressed in striking red attire, attendees will learn the legendary dance moves and partake in a massive group routine, raising funds for the vital cause of DVConnect in the process.

18th Annual Brisbane Madonna Party

Photo Credit: Supplied

Date: Saturday, August 17th, from 7pm
Venue: Wickham Hotel, 309 Wickham St, Fortitude Valley
Tickets: $25 per person + booking fee (18+)

get your tickets here!

Celebrating the Queen of Pop’s birthday in true royal fashion, the 18th Annual Brisbane Madonna Party promises to be a night fit for pop royalty. Over four hours of Madonna’s iconic hits, music videos, a DJ, and a costume competition will take over the Wickham Hotel, allowing fans to embrace their inner Material Girl.

Read: Fortitude Valley Train Transforms into Spontaneous Rave, Enthralling Commuters

With such a diverse and exciting lineup, Brisbane is gearing up for a summer of pop culture celebrations that are sure to leave music fans dancing and singing along to their favourite iconic artists. Whether it’s Kylie’s infectious beats, Kate Bush’s mesmerising choreography, or Madonna’s undeniable swagger, these events promise to be unforgettable experiences for pop enthusiasts of all ages.

Published 3-June-2024

The Zoo to Close After 32 Years of Bringing Live Music to Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: The Zoo

In a major blow to Brisbane’s live music scene, iconic Fortitude Valley entertainment venue The Zoo will be closing for good in July 2024, after over 32 years in operation.

Read: First Australian Exhibition of Peruvian Pucara Bulls Debuts in Fortitude Valley

Owner Shane Chidgzey cited a “perfect storm” of financial pressures forcing the closure of the 500-capacity Fortitude Valley institution, as well as its sister venue, Stranded.

According to Chidgzey, the Zoo’s current revenue stands at only 60% of the previous financial year due to cost-of-living pressures impacting alcohol sales and a trend of declining drinking among younger audiences. Insurance costs have also nearly doubled in recent years to $65,000 annually.

Powderfinger performing at the Zoo, 1995
Photo Credit: Instagram / @powderfinger_bandofficial

“The model is broken, unfortunately, when it comes to music venues,” Chidgzey lamented. “You’ve got a cost-of-living crisis in Australia, which is huge … And there’s a new trend of not drinking, which is a wonderful trend for health but not so good for bars.”

Photo Credit: Instagram / @thezoo.bne

The Zoo’s location in the government’s Safe Night Precinct added further financial strain through increased regulations, security costs, and higher rent compared to other local venues outside the precinct boundaries.

Chidgzey argued a levy on major international touring artists could help subsidise grassroots music venues. “They need to be putting a dollar transaction per ticket on that to put into local music,” he stated.

Opened in 1992, The Zoo quickly became an iconic part of Brisbane’s music fabric. Original owner Joc Curran reflected, “The Zoo was an impossible thing, that became possible because of community, love, and a belief that magic could happen … but now it is time to say goodnight.”

Photo Credit: Instagram / @thezoo.bne

Renowned Australian musician Robert Forster, co-founder of The Go-Betweens, recalled the venue as “the first well-run, stable, encouraging, well-organised venue in Brisbane that I’d ever encountered,” providing a vital permanent space for local acts.

While plans are underway for farewell shows and an auction of memorabilia, the closure represents a major loss for Brisbane’s live music ecology after over three decades of history.

Photo Credit: Instagram / @thezoo.bne

As Chidgzey bluntly put it, “The model is broken” for small music venues navigating the current financial climate.

Read: Historic McWhirters Apartments Battle Crumbling Infrastructure

In Jo Walker’s eulogy for The Zoo, he said “The place was small, but it felt like it belonged to all of us. And even when the air-con was finally installed, we earned that sweat.”

“It’s not enough to pour one out for these lost venues. We must support the precious spots we have left. Go see a local band. Shout another round. Tip the bartender. Buy the merch. Tell your friends. Get sweaty and get rowdy. That’s the legacy of The Zoo.”

Published 5-May-2024