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BIRD’S BASEMENT
celebrates ten years of
delivering iconic jazz moments
to Melbourne

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Hidden just off La Trobe Street on Singer’s Lane sits Bird’s Basement, Melbourne’s leading live music, dinner show and jazz destination. Next year, the iconic venue will celebrate ten years of bringing world-class jazz to the heart of the city.

Over the past decade, Bird’s Basement has welcomed an extraordinary roster of internationally acclaimed musicians and beloved Australian artists, including Ravi Coltrane, Kurt Elling, John Scofield, Kate Ceberano, Mike Stern, Keyon Harrold, Jon Cleary, Cindy Blackman Santana, Jemma Cher, Lionel Cole, Anthony David, Richard Clapton, Mark Seymour, David Ryan Harris, James Morrison, Virgil Donati, Ross Wilson, Grace Knight, Isaiah Collier, Joe Camilleri, Deborah Conway, Dave Hole, Steve Kilbey, Taxiride, Tottie Goldsmith and the late Renée Geyer among many others.

“When we opened our doors ten years ago, the dream was simple: bring world-class jazz to Melbourne. The dream is alive,” said Albare Dadon, Founder and Owner of Bird’s Basement. “A decade on, Bird’s Basement remains a home for musicians and a haven for people who love music. I am proud that it has become a cultural landmark for Melbourne and for jazz lovers around the world.”

Having survived Melbourne’s lockdowns, Bird’s Basement entered a new chapter of reinvention and refinement with a new era of design and hospitality. Mel Dadon, co-owner and wife of founder Albert Dadon, came on the scene, bringing a fresh creative vision that transformed the entire venue. Drawing inspiration from her years living in London and the timeless elegance of Mayfair, Mel introduced a sophisticated European style throughout the space.

Her redesign features navy velvet seating with silver stud detailing, black wood finishes, glossy black granite tables and intimate table lamps that create a warm, luxurious atmosphere. She also elevated the culinary offering, ensuring the menu catered to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs, including vegan, gluten free and low FODMAP options. Since reopening, standout dishes such as the Lamb Ragu and Bird’s Burger have become firm favourites among returning and new guests.

“My goal was to create the world’s premium jazz and live music venue, a place where exceptional design meets exceptional performance,” said Mel Dadon, Co-owner of Bird’s Basement. “When I first stepped into the space, I saw the potential immediately. I envisioned transforming it from a retro, funky jazz room into a cosmopolitan destination that reflects both London sophistication and Melbourne culture.”

Launched in March 2016 with the support of Ravi Coltrane, Bird’s Basement was founded by internationally renowned musician and artistic director Albare and provides a world class experience in the heart of Melbourne. From the moment guests step inside, the atmosphere evokes the intimate jazz clubs of New York, offering an escape where only great music, delicious food and time with loved ones matter.

Bird’s Basement presents shows from Wednesday to Sunday and offers a range of experiences, from premium dinner-and-show seating to casual bar options. While the venue is dedicated to jazz, it also hosts a variety of genres, with regular favourites such as James Morrison and Richard Clapton consistently selling out. The space is also highly sought after for private and corporate events, hosting everything from Christmas functions to milestone celebrations and birthday parties.

“For me, Bird’s Basement has always been more than a venue. It is a place to celebrate life’s moments,” said Mel. “Whether it is a date night, a night out with friends, a family dinner or a large group celebration, I wanted every guest to feel that their evening was special.”

Bird’s Basement is excited to mark the tenth anniversary with a year of celebrations, including special performances from local and international acts. The official party will be hosted by Albare Dadon on 3 March 2026. For full program details and upcoming shows, visit birdsbasement.com.au.

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Approved quotes from the owners

Albare Dadon, Owner, Bird’s Basement / Mel Dadon, Co-Owner, Bird’s Basement

“Bird’s Basement has always been about connection — musicians, audiences, and a shared love of the art form.”

 “Ten years of unforgettable nights remind us that live music still has the power to unite people.”

“Our artists bring the talent; our audiences bring the soul. Together, they’ve shaped a decade of magic.”

“Bird’s Basement stands today because Melbourne embraced a jazz club with global ambitions and a local heart.”

“Every performance here contributes to a legacy of creativity, courage, and community.”

“As founder, I’m proud that Bird’s Basement has become a cultural landmark for Melbourne and for jazz lovers worldwide.”

“Great music elevates a city. For ten years, we’ve been honoured to play our part.”

“The next decade begins with the same promise as the first: authentic music, exceptional musicians, and an audience that knows the difference.”

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Refurbishment

“The colour palette was completely transformed — shifting from honey-toned wood and a geometric blue and grey carpet to a timeless scheme of navy, silver and black, accented by black glossy dividers to define spaces elegantly. The former electric blue PVC honey-brown wooden chairs and shiny paper menus have been replaced with navy velvet studded chairs, comfortable fabric seating, and elegant navy hardback cotton-covered menus with premium paper inserts. Black wooden tables, black granite ‘Premium Plus’ tables and plush new carpet complete the look. The warm glow of intimate black table lamps enhances the atmosphere, creating a premium, luxurious setting that feels both intimate and world-class.”

“Premium Plus provides an elevated experience, offering pre-order champagne package options as well as Italian mineral water presented in striking blue lit ice buckets.”

“Even the bathrooms were updated with my elegant touches — from the finishes to the crisp white cotton hand towels in sage baskets, sensor-operated black dispensers — to ensure every detail reflects that elevated experience.”

“I also worked on transforming the backstage area from a retro, funk, half-forgotten post-Covid space into an elegant Art Deco-inspired setting. The space now features bronze cotton wallpaper, a glossy marble communal table and black velvet chairs, alongside practical facilities such as an art deco cabinet and black glossy console table with a water dispenser and tea and coffee station with crystal cut glassware and black matte mugs and plateware. The dressing room received just as much attention, with full-length mirrors, Hollywood-style mirrors, marble dressing tables, clothes racks, a black futon, a garment steamer, heated towel rails, and charcoal towels — all designed to elevate the backstage and band room experience to match the premium standard felt throughout the venue.”

“I also designed and redesigned the front desk and the bar, creating the vision and sending my designs and concepts directly to the architect. Having personally worked at the front desk hosting, managing customer support, and developing our internal booking and administrative systems, I understood the practical requirements firsthand. I redesigned the host desk to support full functionality — from precise measurements to accommodate two hosts and all necessary technology equipment, to the use of sleek black granite materials that align with the venue’s overall aesthetic. The bar was also completely redeveloped using matching black granite with black bar stools, while the interior was designed with a ripple effect feature and functional cabinetry to support seamless bar service.”

“I also took a hands-on approach to the recruitment, training and service standards of staff — from front desk hosts to wait staff. It was important that the level of service matched the elegance of the surroundings. Guests can expect drinks to be served on silver trays and to be welcomed by well-trained, attentive and accommodating staff who consistently go above and beyond to deliver a polished, seamless experience.”

Menu & Drinks

“The menu was key in tying everything together. Working closely with our chef, we developed a selection that blends Australian produce with Mediterranean and Asian influences, offering entrées, mains, sides and desserts — including options to suit a range of dietary preferences such as gluten-free, vegan, low FODMAP and meat lovers. Our signature cocktails are presented in refined crystal-cut glassware, finished with beautiful yet simplistic garnishes — from fresh mint and edible flowers to dehydrated citrus — complemented by refreshing cocktail shots and the classics. Guests can explore a curated wine list featuring standout varieties from Australia, New Zealand, France and Italy, alongside a premium range of top-shelf spirits. Some of our most popular dishes include the mushroom crostinis, Panko shrimp, Vodka Penne, Vegan and Mighty Burgers, Cheddar and Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breast and Fillet Mignon. The dining experience is completed with crisp white cotton napkins and elegant navy-blue hardback menus, reinforcing the refined, premium aesthetic that runs through every part of the venue.”

“I developed the dessert menu in collaboration with our newly appointed dessert chef post-Covid, introducing our own in-house dessert offering featuring a selection of delectable desserts made on site, as well as pre-order special occasion cakes. The range caters to a variety of dietary requirements, including vegan, gluten-free and low FODMAP options. Our most popular and exquisite desserts are the Pandan Trifle and the Chocolate Torte, while our mini dessert platters are also a sweet hit!”

Photography, Videography & Social Media

“I created and directed all of the photography and videography, from hiring and briefing our in-house team to shaping the overall creative direction. This included capturing both the venue itself and our new menu offerings — from entrées and mains to desserts, cakes and our signature cocktail menu — all presented with the new refined glassware and glossy dark grey plates. These visuals are featured across our social media channels and showcased on our website under the ‘Venue’ and ‘Gallery’ sections to highlight the transformation in a cohesive and premium way.”

“I have also been involved in developing and refining our seating categories and names, carefully defining each area to align with the new design language and create a clear, elevated structure for guest experiences.”

Bookings & Special Occasions

“Large group bookings also have the option to pre-order three-course meals, ensuring a seamless and timely dining experience that allows guests to relax and enjoy the show without interruption, and I work as the Event Manager from start to finish. Guests can pre-order champagne, celebration cakes and premium extras to make their night unforgettable, with flexible seating categories and tailored group booking options designed to make hosting seamless and memorable.”

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Follow BIRD’S BASEMENT
Website – Instagram – Facebook

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AMNPLIFY – DB