The Basement

I’m so glad I found this place! As Tim mentions below, every city has a venue like this one. And these are the kind of venues I love and I’m happy to find the one in Sydney.
Been here for a few nights already. These include buying tickets to see a band I knew of, the Monday Jam sessions and random ‘let’s see what they’re up to’ nights… And all have been excellent.
It’s quite a small-​mid sized venue with a large bar where you can expect to see a wide variety of music styles which can satisfy many people. It can get quite packed but still spacious enough to be able to dance about. Average age does differ depending on the night but it seems everyone is there for a good musical night.
Can’t comment on the food yet, but I’m sure to try at some point as I expect I will visit The Basement many times from now on.

You can’t pick a bad night to go to The Basement. ever. Coming in early for dinner means that you score seats where you can stay comfy whilst enjoying the musos. But be prepared to hang around for a while, they don’t kick off early. This is a better part of the city if you want to avoid the bars along George street.

Every city has to have one of these: a basement club that has nightly jazz, world music, and roots music events. Here in Sydney they decided to simply call it The Basement.
Only a skip from Circular Quay, so easy to get to and away from. If you’re happy (or prefer) to remain seated throughout your musical night you can book a table for dinner and the show. Otherwise it’s a somewhat crowded standing arrangement along the back and sides. They don’t seem to sell tickets to stupid capacity, though; it gets crowded as people try to jockey for a good viewing spot, but just go back two steps and you’ll be fine. And closer to the bar.
They’re big on multi-​musician tribute nights, which are good for a non-​discriminating group. But they also cater to international acts that would garner much larger crowds elsewhere. Check their website for who’s coming up.
I was here just last night to see Canadian folk-​rock group Great Big Sea, and it was always an enjoyable, buzzy, lively experience. Easy to get a drink, easy to chat and laugh. Possible to dance a bit, if you’re determined.
Don’t expect to see many people under the age of 30 here, though.

A trip to The Basement is a must for any Sydneysider. This place is an underground (literally), intimate music venue where you’ll catch some of the most amazing artists at one of their greatest performances. I’ve seen the likes of Harry Manx and Tim Freedman play here and you get the feeling even they really enjoy this place.
Tickets to shows are sold as standing or seating. Standing tickets are approx $ 40 and if you get there early you can usually find somewhere to perch. The seating tickets include dinner which isn’t the best food in town but if you’re going to see an amazing, intimate show then I recommend spending the extra money — you’ll have the best seat in the house and a night never to forget.

It gets dark in there. But I guess that’s expected with a reputable name such as The Basement does. You get a strange feeling of intimacy when they dim the lights real low and all you see is the spotlighted stage (oh and the bar of course), you know that you’re in for an eargasm (apparently a term used for hearing something great).
I’ve seen some phenomenal acts here, both locally and from overseas. It’s most fun when they clear up the dining tables and chairs from the dance floor, as you can be sure you’re up for boogie.
You can also book for dinner and show deal which could be a great idea for a date, they do have enough lighting to see your food. There’s a swanky new additional entrance which is much bigger and noticeable if you’re walking through Macquarie Place Park. They’ve even got the bar upstairs for pre-​drinks before heading downstairs.
Definitely worth the buzz, even on a quiet weeknight.

Aren’t you cool… looking at going to a Jazz club… have you got a beret, perhaps your all black outfit? Nah, I’m joking around… I think Jazz is awesome and i think the fact that you’re wanting to go check out a Jazz venue makes your super cool…
Now I always struggle to find the basement… it is a little bit difficult to see… so if it takes you awhile to locate it — you’re not alone… and I even wish I could help you, but as I said I always get lost myself…
So once you find the entrance — you can walk downstairs (the basement — get it) where you will find someone to either collect or sell you tickets, once you’re inside… you’ll be surrounded by darkness where it’s you, the crowd and the music.
This place takes music seriously and thats why its really respected in Sydney — so it’s a wonderful place for you to appreciate some good sounds…
Artists change regularly so check out there website… but if i were to give you one tip it would be have a short sleeve t-​shirt available — as it can get quite hot…
Enjoy all that JAZZ!

I visited The Basement a few weeks ago for a James Morrisson concert, and it was a less than stellar experience. While James Morrison and his band were fantastic, I was a little disappointed with the venue.
When you’re hosting a fairly well-​known musician for a concert, to which people have bought tickets, one would think the least organisers could do is organise enough seating for the patrons who have presumably not spent their money to get dressed up and stand around on hardwood floors for two hours on high heels. It seems like the most basic of courtesies, doesn’t it? Besides which, I witnessed a poor girl who was obviously in pain remove her heels to stand barefoot, and was promptly instructed by staff to put them back on and continue her foot-​torture. That was a particularly nasty jab, I think.
Also, I think that if you’re hosting a concert, you would also be well-​advised to keep your snack bar open at least until the mid-​concert break. But no, apparently The Basement has no regard for your feet, or your stomach.
The upside (or downside, depending on your viewpoint); the drinks are strong. I asked for a vodka and raspberry, what I received w as a glass full of vodka, with a drop of raspberry. I almost could not drink it, but I powered through. And I’m glad I did, or I might not have been able to endure the pain of standing stationary on heels as stoically as I did.

The Basement is Sydney’s most iconic Jazz and, arguably, live music venue. Established almost 40 years ago it has managed to remain the go-​to place for classy tunes, great sound and a feed in a pleasant basement (duh) environment.
It’s recently changed management and the kitchen also changed hands, as well as adding a whole new bar at street level and beer taps, so I guess to cover these costs prices have gone up quite a bit. But if you are looking for live music the way it should be seen — underground, with low ceilings, fabulous sound and a Steinway grand piano, the Basement should be your first stop.
There are dinner & show packages available most nights and occassionally the tables & chairs are removed to open up a dance floor, and they book great acts from Aus and overseas. Always great lineups around Blues & Roots festival time.