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The Vanguard

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If a venue is going to specialise in blues and jazz, it could do much worse than looking to New Orleans for inspiration.

Editorial


Following a trip to Nola, the owners of the Vanguard modeled their purpose-built venue on the joyous surroundings they had soaked in. The result is a classy space that radiates warmth from quiet furnishings and soft red walls and carpet.

A quaint mezzanine offers a bird's eye view of the acts, while separate menus for the bar and mains cater to the venue's motley crowd. Just south of the University of Sydney, the Vanguard has joined old guard like the Sandringham in a neighborhood that's long been muso-friendly. It's also nestled in King Street, a lane that attracts plenty of foot traffic.

As gigs go, the slate is varied but generally falls along the lines of jazz, blues, and folk. In an added twist, there are often all-star tributes to musical greats of all stripes, from Robert Johnson to Jeff Buckley to Bon Scott. The Vanguard attracts some big names, and not just scheduled performers. Prince hung out there with his girlfriend - and entourage - the week after the venue opened, and Elvis Costello once joined Russell Crowe on stage to sing some tunes.

(Fun fact: Costello drinks gin and tonic.) If it's good enough for them, it should suit you just fine.

Doug Wallen, May 2010

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