Playing It By Ear – Live Music On The Goldy

By Rory Switzer…

Sure, there are a few dozen places you can catch live music on any given night on the Gold Coast, and they’re all fine and well if you’re want to catch an acoustic rendition of Bob Marley’s “No woman, no cry”. But where does one go to emerge themselves in the Goldy’s vibrant local music scene? Here are a few joints (not Marley’s kind) to get you started from a local muso’s perspective:

Miami Shark Bar

Located across the street from the Pacific Ocean and on top of the local Tavern, Shark Bar is Gold Coast’s southern hipster haven. In 2015 this semi-dive bar, fully licensed venue has seen likes of Kingswood, Bad Dreems & The Preatures and has already locked in a few highly sought after touring acts such as San Cisco and Saskwatch for 2016. When the venue isn’t attracting well established Aussie acts, it’s supporting local up-and-coming bands and having a hell of a good time doing it.

Elsewhere

If Miami Shark Bar is the Gold Coast’s southern hipster haven, Elsewhere is its northern counterpart, but with a later curfew (5am to be exact). The long-standing venue located in the heart of Surfers Paradise has been the boiling pot of Gold Coast youth culture since its beginnings and continues to be to this day. For its patrons, it is the place to be seen at. For local emerging bands, it’s the proving ground that will either catapult them to Goldy glory, or spit them back out onto the back ally of Cavil Avenue. 

Currumbin Creek Tavern

Although it may not pull big names (yet), and is a bit of a mission to get to, it’s well worth the hike to this quaint local watering hole-turned live music venue. Situated a bit inland in comparison to its competing venues, Currumbin Creek Tavern offers its patrons an intimate atmosphere to discover local & touring artists every Friday and Saturday night. The next time you’re hanging by the creek, pop in for a peek.