Bird’s Basement marks a decade of world-class jazz in Melbourne’s CBD

Hidden down Singer’s Lane just off La Trobe St, Bird’s Basement has spent the past decade quietly shaping Melbourne’s live music landscape.

As the venue approaches its 10-year anniversary in 2026, the milestone is being marked as a celebration not just of longevity, but of resilience, reinvention and the enduring pull of live jazz in the heart of the city.

Since opening its doors in March 2016, Bird’s Basement has built an international reputation as one of Australia’s premier jazz and live music destinations. Over the years, the intimate underground venue has hosted an extraordinary mix of global heavyweights and Australian icons, welcoming artists such as Ravi Coltrane, Kurt Elling, John Scofield, James Morrison, Kate Ceberano, Joe Camilleri and the late Renée Geyer. The diversity of performers reflects the venue’s philosophy: honouring jazz traditions while embracing adjacent genres and audiences.

Founder and artistic director Albare Dadon says the original ambition was simple: to bring world-class jazz to Melbourne and create a space where musicians and audiences could truly connect. A decade on, that vision remains central to the venue’s identity, with Bird’s Basement widely regarded as a cultural landmark for both locals and touring artists.

The club’s story has not been without challenges. Like many live music venues, Bird’s Basement endured prolonged closures during Melbourne’s COVID-19 lockdowns. Emerging from that period, the venue entered a new chapter under a refined creative direction led by co-owner Mel Dadon. Drawing inspiration from classic European jazz clubs and London’s Mayfair, the space was comprehensively redesigned to deliver a more luxurious, intimate experience without losing its soul.

The transformation extended beyond aesthetics. Alongside velvet seating, granite tables and atmospheric lighting, the food and beverage offering was elevated, with a menu designed to cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements.

Since reopening, the venue has become as well known for its dining experience as for its performances, reinforcing its position as a true dinner-and-show destination in the CBD.

Today, Bird’s Basement presents performances from Wednesday to Sunday, offering everything from premium dinner seating to more casual bar options. While jazz remains at its core, the program spans soul, blues, funk and rock-inflected acts, with regular sell-out shows by Australian favourites. The venue has also become a popular choice for private and corporate events, hosting celebrations that blend live music with hospitality.

As it prepares to mark its 10^th anniversary, Bird’s Basement is planning a year-long program of special performances, culminating in an official celebration hosted by Albare Dadon on March 3.

For Melbourne, the milestone is a reminder of the role small, dedicated venues play in sustaining the city’s cultural life. In an era of rapid change for the CBD, Bird’s Basement stands as proof that intimate live music spaces still matter – and that, 10 years on, the appetite for great music shared up close remains as strong as ever.