CLBR Takes Over Bookings For Iconic Melbourne Venue The Evelyn Hotel

Months on from taking over the bookings for beloved Fitzroy venue The Punters Club, with Victoria’s own Calibre Music (CLBR) now extending its reach across the road to the equally-revered Evelyn Hotel.

A staple of the Brunswick Street live scene, 2025 sees The Evelyn marking 55 years of holding live shows, with the D'Alessandro family having first opened its doors in 1968.

Since then, it’s gone to become a go-to location for bands of all stages, ranging from iconic names such as Powderfinger, Dirty Three, Mallrat, and SPEED, to internationals such as Jordan Rakei, Dave Dobbyn, and even a formative Muse – who played their first Aussie show at the venue in 2000.

Now, CLBR are looking to ensure that the music and energy brought to the Evelyn stays as fresh and sharp as ever, while still honouring the history of the space and upholding its legacy as one of the country's best 300-capacity rooms.

"The Evelyn Hotel is thrilled to join forces with CLBR, a dynamic booking team that shares our passion for supporting Melbourne’s vibrant music scene,” says The Evelyn’s owner John D’Alessandro. “We’re excited to collaborate on delivering incredible live music experiences and championing both emerging and established artists.

“Together, we’re set to make some serious noise in 2025 and beyond!"

Leading the programming at The Evelyn will be CLBR’s Romely Start and Maree Pearson, who have worked together in Melbourne’s live community for years, sharing a love and passion of the underground music scene, community radio, and the myriad individuals who contribute to bringing Melbourne’s live scene to life.

“We are thrilled as CLBR to be taking on the book at The Ev,” says Pearson. “Having spent a lot of time there over the years, it’s a joy to be a part of its legacy.

“I love a 300 cap band room, I believe its the perfect offering to size up the amazing local talent we have in Melbourne, as well as providing a top-notch offering for interstate and international artists alike!” echoes Start.

“We want to reestablish The Ev as the quality touring room it is whilst diversifying the programming with a regular roster of our favourite party promoters to kick the dance floor into gear.”

CLBR are far from strangers to the Melbourne music community. With their office just around the corner on nearby Johnston Street, they're in prime position for some of the most beloved venues in Melbourne, including other venues they book such as The Night Cat and the newly-reopened Punters Club.

Outside of the CBD, they also look after Volta in Ballarat and Freo.Social in Fremantle. In 2024 alone, CLBR sold more than 250,000 tickets to live music events.

However, it’s Fitzroy where their heart and soul lie, with the reopening of the Punters Club bringing some of the most beloved names who would frequent the venue until its untimely closure in 2002, and pair them with some of the most vital up-and-coming names.

“CLBR is Fitzroy through and through, I live on the same street as The Ev and walk past it every day,” explains Managing Director Nathan Farrell. “It's not just an iconic space for us, but a cornerstone of an iconic neighbourhood that’s in our DNA at this point”.

News of CLBR taking over bookings comes just in time for their first sold-out show of the year, with Frankston’s The Belair Lip Bombs taking over the stage this Saturday.

Elsewhere, this year also sees The Evelyn teaming with Melbourne creative Seb Godfrey (Open Season, Meredith, Golden Plains) for a complete brand overhaul to align with the venue’s 55th year celebration of live music. 2025 will also feature the return of The Evelyn’s iconic rooftop just in time for next summer, and with a new PA, stage, and acoustics, the experience is set to be a memorable one.

CLBR is currently in the process of filling dates for 2025, so be sure to reach out to rom@clbr.co and maree@clbr.co for further information.