Brisbane will welcome a new space for original live music, filling a hole after the recent closure of a beloved indie room.
In the wake of West End's The Bearded Lady being forced to call last drinks in May after the building's landlords decided not to renew the lease despite the venue offering financial assurances, the Beardo's programming team have found new digs in Fortitude Valley's Entertainment Precinct.Blute's Bar – which has occasionally staged original live music most notably during the annual BIGSOUND gathering, and is better known for hosting boisterous sing-alongs and late-night karaoke revelry – have hired music and entertainment bookers Ball Point Press, with live music to be programmed five nights a week.
Led by Alyssa and Keeley, who spearheaded Beardo initiatives like 'Keep The Lady Loud' and high-energy music programming that fostered loyal crowds, the duo are bringing that same community-driven passion to their next chapter.
"This felt like more than a move, it felt like a responsibility," says the pair. "With The Bearded Lady closing, Brisbane lost a stage that meant so much to so many. Blute's gives us the chance to keep that spirit alive, while building something new."
First opening in 2018 in the heart of the Brunswick St Mall next door to Black Bear Lodge and within skipping distance of Ric's and The Fortitude Music Hall, the owners of Blute's are excited about the future and embracing live music.
"We're not abandoning karaoke," says the Blute's team. "We're evolving. Gigs will wrap early, karaoke kicks off after. The mic never cools down." The venue's ethos has simply pivoted to offering emerging talent across the country a room to build new fans and develop their craft joining an ecosystem that feeds into sister venues Black Bear Lodge and The Brightside.
"It's incredibly exciting to see another live music venue open its doors in Brisbane, especially under the guidance of The Happy Horsemen – the team behind Stay Gold, The Brightside, and Black Bear Lodge, all of which have become cornerstones of the Australian music community," Destroy All Lines' Andrew Perumalla says. "Their commitment to nurturing live music is unmatched, and the addition of Blute's continues that legacy."
The new offering is a compromise between honouring Blute's established clientele and fostering a space that cultivates the next generation of Australian music while keeping the venue sustainable for all involved. "We want artists to grow with us," Alyssa and Keeley add. "To feel at home here, whether it's their debut show or a late-night residency."
Live programming will spotlight diverse genres, inclusive line-ups, and underrepresented voices, offering audiences an ever-evolving calendar of performances. Punters can expect residencies, recurring nights, and community collaborations.
Live bookings are now open, and artists or agents are encouraged to reach out via
