The Vanguard Newtown
42 King St, Newtown
www.thevanguard.com.au
The Vanguard, a beloved icon of Newtown’s dwell music scene, has been on the coronary heart of Sydney’s artistic tradition for greater than 20 years. But, this vibrant venue has confronted greater than its fair proportion of challenges over time. From closing its iconic pink doorways in 2016 to a short stint as Leadbelly, after which battling the difficulties introduced on by the pandemic, The Vanguard’s journey has been something however clean. Regardless of these hurdles, the venue has as soon as once more reopened, stronger than ever, beneath new possession and with a recent imaginative and prescient.
Again in 2016, The Vanguard shocked its loyal following by saying it will be closing its doorways after 13 years of providing dwell music, burlesque, and comedy. Throughout its first iteration, the stage hosted a formidable vary of expertise, together with Elvis Costello, Diesel, and even Russell Crowe’s band, 30 Odd Foot of Grunts. The lack of The Vanguard was deeply felt by the Newtown group and Sydney’s wider music scene. But it surely wasn’t lengthy earlier than hope returned. The venue was reborn as Leadbelly, a blues-and-rock den that aimed to seize the spirit of the unique however, sadly, it too was unable to final the gap.
In 2018, The Vanguard rose from the ashes as soon as extra, reopening with excessive hopes for the long run. But, like many venues, it wasn’t proof against the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the pink doorways have been pressured shut once more. Nevertheless, the spirit of The Vanguard refused to be extinguished, and now, beneath the possession and administration of Beau Neilson, the venue is again with a recent sense of function and pleasure.
Neilson, who beforehand led the artistic course at Phoenix Central Park in Chippendale, is not any stranger to the world of dwell music and efficiency. Her ardour for the humanities and dedication to creating unforgettable experiences make her the right particular person to hold The Vanguard into its subsequent chapter.
 
“My purpose is to protect the wealthy historical past of The Vanguard whereas making it an much more inclusive, vibrant area the place artists and audiences can join,” says Neilson. “With a lush new look, upgraded sound and lighting methods, and glorious foods and drinks, we’re able to embrace the following technology of performers, experimenters, and lovers of music, artwork, and expression.”
To deliver her imaginative and prescient to life, Neilson enlisted the assistance of famend designer Michael Delany (Piccolo Bar, The Hook et al), who labored intently together with her over an intensive eight-week renovation interval. The transformation of The Vanguard is nothing wanting exceptional. Each element has been meticulously thought-about, from the structure of the bar to the design of the bogs, all with the purpose of enhancing the expertise for each audiences and performers.
Maybe essentially the most vital modifications have been made to the venue’s technical capabilities. The sound, lighting, and video methods have all undergone main upgrades, guaranteeing that The Vanguard can ship a world-class expertise on par with world requirements. A state-of-the-art d&b audiotechnik audio system has been put in, offering artists and followers with impeccable sound high quality. As well as, the venue now boasts 30 new lights and a strong 7000 Lumen Epson Projector, giving performers the instruments to create immersive and visually gorgeous reveals.
However The Vanguard’s revival isn’t simply concerning the music – it’s additionally concerning the meals. The venue has partnered with BUSH, an progressive culinary crew identified for his or her distinctive method to Australian delicacies, which revolves across the ideas of “native meals proliferation, invasive meals obliteration.” Govt chef Grant Garden is worked up concerning the partnership, saying, “It’s an thrilling prospect to collaborate with The Vanguard. Surrounded by artwork, music, and reveals, BUSH is in an important area.”
The menu at The Vanguard now gives a spread of mouth-watering dishes that showcase one of the best of native Australian substances, paired with daring and inventive flavours. Highlights embrace Purple Pepper Roo Tail, Wild Rabbit Puff, and Fingerlime Guac & Corn Chips – a real feast for the senses. Whether or not you’re there to catch a present or just take pleasure in a meal, the kitchen’s choices are certain to please.
The Vanguard’s reopening alerts greater than only a return to dwell music; it’s about fostering a way of group and bringing individuals collectively via artwork, efficiency, and nice meals. Common dwell performances are actually again on the calendar, with a various program that celebrates expertise from throughout Sydney and past. From up-and-coming musicians to established artists, The Vanguard is as soon as once more a hub for creativity. True to its roots, the venue will proceed to host its well-known burlesque reveals, a nod to the eclectic mixture of leisure that has all the time set The Vanguard aside.
Comedy lovers are additionally in for a deal with, with a stellar lineup of performances that guarantees loads of laughs. Whether or not you’re within the temper for an intimate acoustic gig, a wild night time of rock and roll, or a stunning burlesque efficiency, The Vanguard’s program has one thing for everybody. And with its newly upgraded amenities, each present is assured to be an unforgettable expertise.
For these desperate to be a part of The Vanguard’s new chapter, tickets for upcoming reveals are actually accessible by way of the venue’s revamped web site, which makes it simpler than ever to remain up-to-date with the most recent occasions. Whether or not you’re a long-time fan of The Vanguard or discovering it for the primary time, there’s no higher time to step via these iconic pink doorways and immerse your self in every part this historic venue has to supply.
The return of The Vanguard is extra than simply the reopening of a venue – it’s the rebirth of a cornerstone of Sydney’s dwell music scene. With a recent look, top-tier amenities, and a dedication to supporting the humanities, The Vanguard is poised to cement its place as a number one vacation spot for dwell music, efficiency, and eating within the Interior West. As Neilson and her crew welcome a brand new technology of artists and audiences, The Vanguard’s legacy of creativity, group, and expression is about to proceed for a few years to come back.
