Part of Melbourne's indie scene furniture since the mid-2000s, Northcote Social Club has hit a major milestone with its 20th birthday.
The High St live music institution, which has been serving beers, band and good times for two decades – helping to launch the careers of countless acts including Courtney Barnett and Camp Cope – has a heap of celebrations planned."A friend once told me that walking into the NSC feels like a big, warm hug – and that's exactly the kind of place we've always strived to be," Venue Manager Emily Ferris, who's been with the venue since the first year, says.
"I'm so excited to see familiar faces returning to the venue – artists and punters alike – to celebrate what this place has meant to so many of us over the years."
Not only a hangout for musicians, music lovers, families, footy fans and foodies alike, NSC offers a second home while also accommodating some high-profile secret shows (wink, wink to Pixies and Lady Gaga, if you're wondering).
This winter, NSC is hosting 20 Gigs For 20 Years – a stacked programme of shows and parties featuring some of the artists and community who've helped shape the venue's story so far.
The likes of Kingswood, Augie March, Nai Palm, Jazzparty, Alice Ivy and Jordie Lane will return to the NSC stage, while Collective Artists, Poison City Records, PBS and Northside Records will each host specially curated events.
Emerging national indie champs, Gut Health will swing by for an all-ages matinee. Briggs fans will also have an opportunity to catch the Indigenous rapper's new heavy project Big Noter. Deans of Soul, Joey Lightbulb & Friends and Darren Hanlon are also on the bill. It all wraps up with a massive Closing Party on August 29 with special guests, yet to be announced.
"Hi folks, proud to announce this special show," posted Augie March. "We christened the NSC and have many great memories of this bastion of live performance. Celebrate the joint with us."
Because NSC wouldn't be what it is without the community, they're inviting anyone who's bought a beer, played a gig, or had a yarn at the bar to drop a note or photo in the 'love letter to the pub' letterbox at the front bar – that's your chance to share a memory, say thanks, or pen a few words to your favourite watering hole.
Everyone who contributes will go in the draw to win a double pass to a 20th birthday show of your choice, a $100 food and bev voucher, and a merch pack – just don't forget to include your contact details.
As an extra thank you, everyone who buys a ticket to a 20th birthday show will also go into the draw to win a NSC Golden Ticket – scoring 12 double passes to any NSC shows of your choice over the next 12 months.
"My album 'Tropical Depression' is turning one year old and my OG favourite venue Northcote Social Club is turning 20," shares Jordie Lane. "Let's celebrate!!!!"
Adds Poison City Records: "One of our very favourite local venues/ pubs, Northcote Social Club is celebrating 20 years with a special series of 20 gigs! We're honoured to be hosting Flyying Colours, Screensaver and Chimers + more TBA soon! Massive thanks for all the wonderful shows and hospitality over the years NSC ❤️🎉."
Tickets are on sale.
Northcote Social Club's 20 Gigs For 20 Years Line-up
Mon 30 Jun - Social Sanctuary with Owelu Dreamhouse, Cong Josie and The Hell RacersFri 4 Jul - Joey Lightbulb & Friends
Sun 6 Jul - Kingswood
Sun 13 Jul - Gut Health* all-ages matinee
Fri 18 Jul - Collective Artists Label Party
Fri 25 Jul - Augie March
Sat 26 Jul - Deans of Soul
Sun 27 Jul - Darren Hanlon
Fri 1 Aug - Nai Palm
Sat 9 Aug - Big Noter
Sun 10 Aug - Alice Ivy
Sat 16 Aug - Jordie Lane* matinee & evening shows
Sun 17 Aug - Poison City Records Party feat. Flyying Colours, Chimers, Screensaver
Fri 22 Aug - Maple Glider
Sat 23 Aug - Jazzparty
Thu 28 Aug - PBS Party feat. Night Terrors, Claire Birchall, Vacuum
Fri 29 Aug - Closing Party with special guests
• plus Northside Records Party, The Mess Hall, Cheersquad Records and Tapes Wednesdays Residency - dates TBC
