Live Music, Classic Charm and Pocari Sweat: Welcome to High Note, Northcote's New Music Bar
The historic Northcote Theatre has gotten a musical makeover courtesy of the Crown Ruler crew — -prepare for live acts, workshops and a whole new vibe.
Melbourne is adding a new note to its musical score with the opening of High Note, the latest venue from Crown Ruler. Located within the historic confines of the Northcote Theatre, this fresh addition to the inner-north scene aims to be more than just another music bar — it's a hub for creativity and collaboration.
The guys behind this space are Jamie Bennett, founder of Crown Ruler; co-founder of Hope Audio, Umut Turkeri; and James Clarke, CEO of Bolster Group. Their combined CV boasts Melb faves like Sun Cycle and Duke St Block Party, and even collabs with international platforms like the UK's NTS radio and Potato Head Bali. With High Note, they're bring their dream of a permanent venue to fruition — this is Crown Ruler's first foray into bricks and mortar.
High Note's ethos is all about versatility. You can swing by for an after-work drink or immerse yourself in a deluge of music. The venue's program is as eclectic as Melbourne itself, showcasing everything from familiar tunes to uncharted sonic territories. Oh, and here's a cool little nostalgia hit: vintage Altec horns that once called the Sydney Opera House home now reside at High Note, thanks to Turkeri's touch.
Bennett says that High Note's goal is to be a spot where the community can come together, and to serve as a melting pot for Melbourne's creatives. "We wanted to create a diverse community-focused venue to suit High Street's many moods," he advises.
"This is a special spot for people to meet and connect, the type of which doesn't currently exist here in Melbourne."
On the drinks front, expect a curated drink list that boasts Aussie beer, wine and cocktails, plus some non-alcoholic standouts including cult-fave Pocari Sweat.
The opening weekend festivities from Friday, October 20 promise to kick things off with a bang, with a string of DJs spinning all weekend. On Saturday, October 28, the venue will host live performances as part of The Eighty-Six festival.
When its doors officially open, High Note will add another jewel to Northcote's crown of cool, and we wouldn't have it any other way. See you on High Street.
High Note opens at 220 High Street, Northcote on Friday, October 20 — operating 4pm–1am Tuesday–Friday and 1pm–1am Saturday–Sunday.
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