It would be easy to walk past Vinnies’ unassuming matte-black door on Nerang Street in Southport none-the-wiser. If it wasn’t for the vibrant neon light hanging overhead attracting thirsty folk like moths to a flame, that is. Once inside, patrons were previously greeted with a long, narrow space divided into two – the bar side and the stage side. Since opening, Vinnies Dive in Southport has been instrumental in nurturing the city’s live music scene (pardon the pun) regularly hosting local and touring bands throughout the week and every weekend. According to Glenn Stewart, one-third of the ownership team which also includes brothers David and Jared Favero, there was one lingering bugbear with the space. The stage and bar were essentially one and the same, meaning that if there was a ticketed gig on, you couldn’t just come to drink. It was this minor gripe that motivated the trio to gaze upon the vacant space next door with eager eyes. They signed on the bottom line in March of 2020, right before the dreaded C-word became part of everyday vernacular and the city was plunged into its first lockdown. Fast-forward a couple of years and, at long last, the space is finally fit for its intended purpose, which is a dedicated band room with its own bar. The new band room adjoins the main bar area via a couple of barn doors and will now be the home for all of the venue’s ticketed gigs, while the original stage will remain in place for its free and unticketed live music.
To celebrate the venue’s new addition, Glenn and the team have compiled a jam-packed line-up of bands to really test the new room’s acoustics. Some of the highlights include The Jensens taking on songs from Marvel’s Guardians Of The Galaxy 1 and 2 on Thursday April 14, Brisbane-based pop-punk trio Bugs on Thursday April 28 and local legends Verum on Saturday April 30. Friends, this is just the tip of the musical iceberg, check out all of the upcoming happenings at Vinnies here.
Keen to check out a gig? Skip over to our Stumble Guide for opening times.
Image 1 and 4: Photography by James Scown.
