admin December 18, 2024
The Espy’s iconic Gershwin Room will turn 100 years old this month and it’s a great time to reflect on the pub’s importance in music history. To mark the special occasion, the St Kilda favourite will host a special birthday line-up of artists and celebrations.
A space now infamously coined, The Gershwin Room, was originally added to the 1878 built Hotel Esplanade in 1921 as a large dining room in the rear wing of the building, when it was exclusively for residential use.
In 1924 the space was reimagined, and a haven of dance and jazz music was born, marking the inception of live music and entertainment that the St Kilda icon is now known for. And what the pub celebrates this December.
Officially named The Gershwin Room in 1967, the venue had already cemented itself within the community as a destination for music and dancing. It continued to transform itself through the era’s, from a disco hotspot in the 1970’s to its grungier life during the 1990’s building The Gershwin Room’s reputation in Melbourne’s vibrant live music scene.
“This is a special time for us here at The Espy,” Said Senior Operations Manager Chad Kaya, who has been working at The Espy since 2021. “The pub is such an icon in the music history here in Melbourne, and being able to celebrate 100 years of it is truly a testament to those who have played here, danced here and continued to support the industry.”
The Gershwin Room Turns 100
The Gershwin Room’s most notable names that have played, recorded and performed include:
- Paul Kelly, who live recorded tracks for his 1996 album and has since returned in October 2024 to release his newest album
- Jet, who during their peak, performed a NYE gig that cemented their Australian rock following
- Powderfinger played a farewell gig on the eve of their final tour
- Melbourne born and ARIA award winning G-Flip played their first ever live performance in The Gershwin Room
- SBS’s Australian Rockwiz television show recorded over 180 episodes between 2005 and 2016
- Others who have graced the stage include, Foster The People, Nick Cave, Silverchair, Spiderbait, Courtney Barnett, The Avalanches, The Rubens, Winston Surfshirt, Touch Sensitive, Darude, Baynk, X, Starcrawler and Pond
“We’re excited to be welcoming everyone to come and experience our beloved Gershwin Room and help us celebrate it’s 100 years!” said Kaya.
The Espy is set to host a special birthday line-up this December and January:
- Sunday 8th December – Cosmic Psychos
- Saturday 21st December – Augie March
- Friday 31st January – Eskimo Joe
The Gershwin has been an iconic part of Melbourne for the last century and is set to retain its reputation as a destination for the ultimate live music gigs for decades to come.
