I’ve managed to get into the folds of interesting friendships forged mostly around a love for great music. Every time this little gang of friends meet up, it’s usually to listen to some great live jazz or some other live gig going on in some corner of Sydney. I’ve tried to do some research on where the great stuff is happening, and although there’s a great many pubs and lounges that have live gigs most days, the best of the lot, according to me, is the nondescript venue of 505.

I heard about the place “through the grapevine”. Someone told a friend and a friend told me – and that is how 505 gets it’s faithful following, word of mouth. Not too long ago, it was running Sydney’s illegal underground music scene. It was a place where the local musicians and theatre groups could meet, collaborate and perform for anyone willing to be part of the most amazing gathering of talent in Sydney. This year, the venue went legit and am utterly glad I am now an ardent follower of what goes on there. The best jazz, blues and flamenco I have ever heard!

505 is located at 280, Cleveland Street in quaint Surry Hills, and is very easy to miss the door. Once in, there is a $10 to $15 entry fee (depending on the day of the week) and kindergarten school chairs and what look like overturned dustbins, used as stools, greet the visitor. But of course, there are a few tables along one wall and a little nook with a couple of tables as well. The bar has a not-too-bad selection of wines and the menu, though limited, is good. Kitchen closes by about 10pm, so do not forget to place the food orders before that time. But the highlight of it all is the music. Some of the best local musicians become regular acts at the 505. There is fusion and classical jazz, jazz flamenco, big band and a whole lot of world music and fusion. For six nights a week (505 remains closed on Sundays) there is great music to be enjoyed if you can find the venue.

It’s been 2 consecutive weeks for me, I’ve been there to listen to some lovely flamenco and some beautiful blues, and I think there’s a good chance that’s where I will be spending my birthday evening as well – the third week in a row! For anyone looking for great music, head to 505, but do remember, they are serious about their music – when the show begins, try not making a lot of noise!

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