The Basement

The Basement takes it live from centre stage 6-7 nights of the week.

You can come along just for the music or you can make a proper night of it by taking in both dinner and show where, included in one price you get entry to some hot music, and an excellent 2 course meal.  So, instead of worrying about whether you can manage to fit in a meal at a restaurant somewhere else and get to the show on time, you can make life and your evening simple by doing it all in one place.

The box office is open from 10 – 5.30pm 5 days a week.  You can make your reservation with a credit card by phone – 02-9251 2797 - or you can drop in to the club at 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay and make your booking in person.  Our on-line box office for standing room tickets is available 24 hours a day.

If you want to know what’s on you can check it out here or by becoming a Basement Member and receiving our monthly program by mail.  Of course, you can always just ring us on 02-9251 2797.

The Club

In the heart of Sydney’s CBD, there aren’t too many businesses – especially in the entertainment and hospitality field - that can claim over 30 years in existence.

With an international reputation for providing the finest in both local and overseas music to Sydneysiders 6-7 nights a week, the line up of ‘greats’ to have graced the stage is too exhaustive to list completely but over the years has seen the likes of
 

and, as they say in show business, many, many more.

But The Basement is more than just a venue to tickle your musical fancy.   Aside from the main music and restaurant area, are 2 separate bars, the Blue Note and The Green Room where you can take in a post work drink or shoot some pool, grab a Bistro meal or just relax and chat with your mates over a cocktail or coffee.

Beginnings

When The Basement first opened its doors, it was in a single level basement that was to become an alternative to the, at the time, less than avant garde scene of pub rock and cover bands playing the registered clubs.

The opinion of the then-owners was that if people were buying records by a more catholic range of musicians then there was more than a good chance they'd want to see them live.
                               
And so, on May 10, 1972 The Basement began what has become a benchmark club for contemporary music.

With its beginnings as primarily a jazz venue it was also firmly in place that a broad spectrum and mix of styles was what Sydney audiences would be open to – if only they had the chance.
               
Not only did they take up the chance – they demanded more - and more people demanded entrance to the club.
               
Originally with a capacity for 120 seated and 150 standing, 1977 saw the expansion of The Basement to a 2-level space, providing crucial extra seating and bar room. 
               
From Galapagos Duck, Johnny Griffin, Vince Jones and Dizzy Gillespie the Basement was now able to accommodate the likes of Art Pepper, Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard and Georgie Fame.
                   
But bad news struck in 1988 when developers decided to redevelop the site and knock the building down.  Good news, however, was just down the street.
               
In 1992, only a few doors away from the original spot, The Basement reopened but with greater space than before, better facilities and this time as a venue custom built for its purpose.
               
The music continues and the only things that change at The Basement, are the great names who appear on stage.

For those who love good music but can’t make it to the club itself, ABC TV offers up a series of select shows in ‘Live at The Basement’.  For more details, check your local program guide.

The Green Room

Midday – late Mon – Fri
7pm – late Weekends
Definitely, the total kick back bar of The Basement to have a beer, shoot some pool or meet your mates. The Green Room and side bar just off the main entrance is as much like stepping into one of those great American bars you see on the screen as you’ll find anywhere. 

All of our bars are stocked with an enormous selection of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks, with The Green Room being the popular place to be during Happy Hour (4.30-6.30pm Mon – Fri).

Like the rest of the club, The Green Room’s walls are lined with a whole lot of Basement history.  Check out all the flyers, photos and posters from past shows, rack ‘em up and relax in The Green Room.

Functions

Jazz up your next function at the world famous Basement.

Whether it’s corporate or a birthday bash, we’re able and happy to accommodate your party be it for 20, 40 or 400 folk. 
 
From intimate cocktail parties to larger corporate functions - in our exclusive Blue Note bar or The Green Room or to full restaurant service in the main show room - we’ll tailor our service to your needs.

We specialise in listening and talking to you about the desired outcome of your function and individually create the right package for your event.  Whether it’s show bizz glitz with lobster and champagne you’re after or an easy going pies, prawns, & beer party you want – and everything in between – we want to make your event a success just as much as you.

The Basement also understands that sometimes you need to ‘pull it together’ without a long lead time.  Of course, the more time for planning a party the better, but after 30 years in the business, where and when possible, we have the experience to turn it around almost on the spot for you.

So whether your function’s next week, next month or next year let us know how we can be a part of your party by contacting the club direct by phoning 02-92512797 or email base29@bigpond.net.au or by fax on 02-9252 3007.

Membership

A membership to The Basement offers more perks than a career in government; and they’re all offered, ratified and totally and utterly approved by the management.

Friday and Saturday nights are the time to totally let loose from the working week.  When you’re a Member of The Basement both you and your friends can truly let those locks flow because on *Friday nights your membership entitles you to a 2 for the price of 1 entry and on a *Saturdays entry is *free for you and one guest.

Not only that, we’ll make sure you’re looking sharp with a super stylin’ Basement T-shirt.

Okay, so now that you and your friends are looking smart and in the Club it may just be time for a drink.  As a Basement Member all drinks are discounted by 10% - and that’s not just for Friday and Saturday that’s any time you drop by the Club.

In addition to these great benefits you will receive the monthly program that we’re going to post directly to you.

PLUS – show your membership card to the doorman when there’s a queue and we’ll fast track you into the club

But benefits with your Basement membership don’t stop at the Club.

When it’s time to leave and if you happen to be designated driver for the evening**, present your parking station ticket at the door to have it stamped and pay a flat fee of $12 between 6pm and 4am.

And, if you’re needing a top up of fine music you can’t do better than dropping into Carisma where on presentation of your membership card they’ll whack a mighty 10% of the price of CD’s for you.

If you’d like to apply for a 12-month Basement Membership it will cost you just $95 for all of benefits and discounts above plus any new benefits introduced during your membership year.  Simply fill in the coupon and send a cheque or money order made payable to The Basement at 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay 2000 and we’ll send you your membership card, t-shirt and information pack.

*Excludes some International and National touring acts
**The Basement adheres to the Responsible Service of Alcohol