KIMBRA - Tivoli 15/05/2012 support acts Daniel Merriweather and Sam Lawrence First time I saw Kimbra in a smaller scale more "intimate"concert, was at the Spiegeltent Brisbane Festival 2011. At the time, momentum was gathering with Gotye's track "Somebody I useto know" in the Aussie charts, and Kimbra had been signed to Warnerby the same guy who signed Prince. Having seen her videos on YouTubeand acoustic renditions of her own tracks, one could tell, this gir lwas headed for big, big things. Last night's concert at the Tivoli showed just that. KIMBRA is an international superstar! Its no wonder, there'sso much buzz in the USA and Europe for her album "VOWS", which has been re-released for the US market with 4 new tracks. The show was on a larger scale, and with new fans on board, KIMBRA was electrifying in her performance and stage presence. Her vocal chemistry with her band is undeniable, and they delivered a show that even the Pope would be bobbing his head rhythmically to as well as cure any bad day. This time around, touring in Oz, KIMBRA has achieved even more since the Brisbane Festival in 2011. #1 in the US Billboard's with Gotye, appearanceson Saturday Night Live, toured all over USA, Canada & Europe, performed at South-by-Southwest Festival, as well as collaborations with Foster the people's Mark Foster & Dance producer A-Track on "Warrior" (http://www.journeys.com/pluginto/). Kimbra has Capped this off by winning the Grand Prize for International Song-Writing for "Cameo Lover" earlier this month. All of this at just 22 years old.Despite tired legs from standing at length, thirst, sweat, the humidity of having many bodies around you, all was forgotten as KIMBRA took to the stage. She delivers a very quirky, eclectic, energetic, infectious, and most of all, unique performance. Her distinct hook-laden vocals, the faces she makes whilst passionately delivering a song, her weird little dances, and cute outfits, make for a memorable night. It's easy to put KIMBRA in the "pop" category, but she is so much more than that. I would even go as far to say, that if any artist in this day and age can create their own genre, then KIMBRA may have just achieved it. Each of the songs she delivered & performed are all different musically, deriving sounds and elements from various genres. From "settle down", "call me", "cameo lover", "samaritan","wandering limbs", "old flame", there's Soul, Blues, R&B, funk, rock, gospel and of course her latest offering "warrior", is an 80's pop-synth dance sound..which was absolutely mind-blowing liVE, and totally got the crowd off their feet and dancing.Amazing night, great show, and considering Kimbra's star is rising, great value for money @ $50. Special mention to Daniel Merriweather.. an artist who has worked with Mark Ronson (one of the best producers out there, known for his work with Amy Winehouse on Back to black), Daniel has a UK platinum selling album, LOve & War, various collaborations, including a duet on that album with Adele, as well as tours in the USA under his belt.It's a shame, that he is probably more known overseas, than he is in his own country. Melbourne talent, represent!He definitely got the crowd even more pumped for KIMBRA..memorable peformance from Merriweather signature song "Change". Sam Lawrence, who features on Kimbra's track "Wandering Limbs", was first up as support-act, and delivered a soulful jeff buckley-esque performance on keyboard. Keep a look out for this guy in future. read more

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First time I went here was for a music concert, and it took me a little while to figure out that the plain-looking building I had walked past about twenty times was actually the venue. Don't let the outside of the Tivoli fool you, though. It may look a little plain and generic, but the interior decoration and design looks like it jumped out of a storybook. One of my friends had her high school formal there, and I've been to a handful of music concerts there. Each time, I've had a great time. The staff are patient and friendly, so long as you adhere to the house rules, and most of the security guards are friendly, despite looking scary. The Tivoli is available as both an 18+ venue, and an all ages venue, and the main floor can be either a dance floor, seating, or a writhing mass of bodies pressed together into a mosh pit. If you do attend a concert there, make sure you follow the first rule of moshing when it comes to water: take a sip and pass it back. The Tivoli is one of my favourite venues, very intimate between the performers and the audience, and if a band you like is playing there, definitely check it out. But because it sits out of the way a little, make sure you scope the area first, as I know friends who have gotten lost the first time they have tried venturing there. Don't be scared to ask the locals for directions, though. read more

The Tivoli - Performing Arts Near Me - Fortitude Valley, QLD

I was lucky enough to score a ticket to Broods last night. I haven't had a chance to see any live music so I was super excited to get down to a gig. From the outside, I didn't realise how beautiful the venue was going to be, but as I walked in, I was greeted by a level of grandeur I haven't experienced in some time. Beautiful wood work, high ceilings, wide walkways, I haven't seen a venue like it in years. The acoustics were spot on, which for a gig with such a focus on incredible vocals was important. The 1500 person venue (I know, where do they put all of those people?!) was filled to the brim but getting in, getting a drink, and seeing the stage was easy at all times. The bar staff were super pleasant and got my gig related beverages to me very quickly (I have a tendency to only drink pre-mixed spirits from a can at gigs, I don't know why). Even queuing for the toilets was quick and easy, I was really impressed with how the flow of people was managed. This is definitely one of my new favourite live music venues and in a climate where venues are closing left, right and centre, I'm glad I got to see a great gig in an awesome venue. read more

From Katy Perry air-humping audience members to Sufjan Stevens having a 17-minute dance party, you can see it all at The Tivoli. This charming old theatre is one of the best places in Brisbane to catch a band. I've seen dozens of acts here and never been disappointed. Sound quality is always great, the bathrooms are clean and it's near public transport. The beautiful old archways and original features add instant ambience and depending on the lighting can become gothic, circus-like or romantic. Even when sold out there is plenty of space for everyone (unless you're moshing down the very front). Get here early to grab a spot along the balcony rail. The Tivoli hosts a large range of bands too, both seated and standing, so don't think they'll have nothing that's your scene. I've seen Spoon, the Fray, Ben Lee, Jason Mraz, Tegan and Sarah, Brooke Fraser, Bon Iver and many, many more here and loved it every time. read more

First things first. If you're a vocalist, you want to play here because the acoustics are amazing. When I saw Fleet Foxes here a couple of years ago, the lead singer wanted to do an a capella version of Oliver James. He'd been looking at the high ceilings and wanted to "test the acoustics". He moved his microphone back, and stood a metre or two in front of it. While he was singing, his voice rang out like a crystal clear balloon engulfing the crowd in his rich, romantic tones. It was powerful. I might have even cried a little. I always feel like I'm going back in time when I go to a gig at the Tivoli. It's opulent in a 1940's ballroom sort of way. It's the whole package really- it's spacious, it's carpeted throughout, and then there's the wings and balcony where you will get the best vantage point for watching whoever's playing. The drinks are hugely overpriced, it's true. Don't bother trying to smuggle anything in either. The security will check you for cameras and booze on your way in. Just get pissed before the gig. There are plenty of pubs nearby that will help you out. The gigs I've enjoyed here most are the intimate ones. For example, I'd seen Beth Orton before at a festival, and she seemed horribly awkward, shy, and she really just looked like she was struggling up on stage. You could barely hear her. Then she happened to play at the Tivoli. It was a complete turn around. She had power and presence up on that stage; the whole crowd just seemed enchanted by her. read more

In my opinion, there is no better Brisbane music venue than The Tivoli. From it's grand foyer with the checkerboard floor to the wrought-iron balconies and warmly lit lounge areas, the whole experience of going to The Tivoli imbues any gig with a true sense of occasion. Most of my best gig memories occurred at The Tiv: watching Allison Goldfrapp's tinsel jacket shimmering in the blast of the fan in front of her, Rufus Wainwright dancing to Get Happy while dressed as Judy Garland, Tim Freedman getting drunker and drunker on white wine and playing the world's longest encore. Years and years of going to The Tivoli have never dulled the magic that I feel when my feet touch the worn red carpet and I push my way to the bar before a show. The Tivoli gets the best acts, and the sound mix is far more reliable than anywhere else in Brisbane. The drinks are good (even if they don't do doubles anymore) and the staff are wonderfully efficient. There's usually a choice between sitting and standing to watch shows, and when its general admission you can get a good view from most places in the house. The atmosphere at The Tivoli is always electric and you never get that over-policed prohibitive vibe that you get at so many gig and drinking venues these days. There's no better way to spend a night in Brisbane than going to a gig at the beautiful Tivoli and hanging around after for more drinks. read more

The Tiv! A Brisbane institution, especially as Brisbane's music venues continue to shut down, chances are any band you see will be here. It's an old theatre, and it really is a lovely building inside. If you're lucky you can grab a spot on the balcony up top and you'll have a great view of the stage, or head in early and get front and centre. They crank the aircon here, but once it's full, you'll still be sweating. If you're peckish you can grab some food too, but you won't get anything too fancy. Over all, it's a great venue, but there's limited parking so you might want to bus or train and walk up from the valley. read more

The Tivoli is my number one venue for seeing live music in Brisbane. Why? Well, I always feel close to the performers. Its fabulous layout with balconies, side wings and floor area mean there's always a place to get a great view without feeling lost or too far away from the action. I've taken my mum to the 'Tiv' to see the 10 Tenors, and at perfomances like these there is often cabaret seating, with tables and chairs providing a comfortable setting to see a show. The decor is a delight; kind of nouveau - ish, with twisted wrought iron, chandeliers, plush carpet and dance floor. This becomes the moshpit when the venue is transformed by a writhing mass of screaming fans as the venue hosts some of the wildest bands to hit Brisbane. In between, the place is just right for seeing your favourite up and comings before they outgrow the venue and start appearing at the Convention Centre or Entertainment Centre. read more

Tivoli drink prices are highway robbery! $9 for a single shot of Kahlua is ludicrous - just because there is a captive audience this can't be grossly abused by charging daft prices. I felt ripped off to say the least and compelled to share my disappointment. The venue DOES host some exceptional talent and there is a certain dated, tired charm to the place BUT at the cost of drinks I expect a little attention to tired fixtures such as a mirror in the ladies loo that one can barely make out a reflection in. Even the BCC tip shop has fixtures in better condition. When a gal takes a pit stop she expects to titivate her look. If you want to enjoy a cigarette with your drink - forget it. The smoking deck policy at the Tivoli is just another reminder that smokers are second-class citizens. If you step out onto the secured deck for a ciggy you have to leave your drink behind. This leaves women alone at risk as rule #1 is never leave your drink unattended. I appreciate the rave reviews and I wonder whether these are better attributed to the class acts and the intimacy of a small venue as opposed to the venue itself. The Tivoli needs some love (make that a whole lotta love) to bring her back to her intended elegant charm. Seems the venue is just coasting on an old wave of glory like an old married couple who have let themselves go knowing full well the devoted will never leave. Maybe it's time for a new lover to court those of us who appreciate real music... I found most of the security staff arrogant and lacking any diplomacy - looking tough is not a deterrent but a clear message that as a well-behaved customer, my business means diddly-squat. Tivoli, you need a mega make-over to restore the former grunge glam profile with a touch of alternative class. Right now I see a tired has-been that has failed to maintain its potential for greatness - complacency at its finest. read more

The Tiv, as many Brisbanites fondly make their own, is an institution in its own right. With a gorgeous balcony, a very rare clean bathroom, and booze aplenty - The Tivoli is a great venue for any event. With a plethora of genres of music gracing the acoustically god-sent venue one can be sure there will be an act to catch they'll love! 'Ben Howard' was the most recent act I've seen at The Tivoli and he managed to capture the audience and have everyone quiet and entranced and then in a swift change of pace have everyone swaying and singing so loud the hundreds of voices joined as one and carried the moment. The Tivoli entertains acts from all over and always manages to take the performance to that next level of transcendance. With great acoustics, beer and in-house catering The Tiv is the place to be to shake off some of those winter chills. Catch 'What So Not' playing this Sunday at 7pm. Tickets available at www.ticketmaster.com.au/event/13004E95DFBE6162. read more

Lovely venue but as a standing event no good, I was told the Tivoli is better for concerts but we saw the Violent Femmes last night and we were lucky to catch the occasional glimpse of the band. I had been waiting for this event for ages and was a little disappointed with the venue, sound was great band was fantastic, saw them at Fishermans Wharf Gold Coast 20+yrs ago and they still sound as good as ever. Over all great concert just visabilty is terrible unless you are Michael Jordon. read more

The Tivoli is, in context, actually really small for a music venue, and that just further proves the truth of the saying that good things come in small packages. I don't know what it is about the Tivoli but every time I go and watch a gig there, my love for it grows to the point of imploding. This tiny little carpeted space showcases some of the best home grown and international musical talent and I'm privileged to say I've gotten to witness some of that incredible talent. The Tivoli hosts all types of gigs from heavy metal and punk through to folk and electronic. I've seen a bit happen in this space from heavy heaving and hectic pits through to casual swaying and animated audience singing. Some of my favourite gigs have happened at the Tivoli and you can find a place to catch all the stage action from the ground, behind the rails on the side or with your feet dangling over the edge of the upstairs balcony. The Tivoli also hosts some pretty impressive spectacles with impressive backlighting and, at a gig I went to for A Day To Remember, released a flood of balloons all over the audience. I really do love the Tiv. You've got your choice of alcohol to dive into during the gigs and there are always impressive supporting bands to enjoy while you wait for the main act. Merch is also readily available but don't be a rookie and wait until after the gig, because you'll be there for like two hours. I've already got two gigs I can't wait to attend at the Tivoli this year and I know they're going to be amazing. Though small, the Tivoli is an integral part of the music scene that Brisbane hosts. read more

I've been to gigs at the Tivoli so many times over the last seven years, I'd be afraid to try to count them. I do know that the first gig I saw there was Bright Eyes in March 2005, and the most recent gig was Boy & Bear about a week and a half ago. Every time a band says "this is our favourite venue", I want to believe them, because the Tiv really is something special. There are many vantage points, and my friends and I will most often find ourselves heading for the balcony for some choice viewing. Even at a standing-only gig, sometimes the security will let you get away with dragging the long cushioned bench seating up to the balcony railing - this is also a good way to bond with your fellow gig-goers. For drivers, if it's a sold-out gig, get there early. There's parking on Costin St (lately there have been some roadworks getting in the way of some of these parks) and in surrounding streets, but the later you get there, the further away you park - particularly because any other drivers know about all the "secret" parks in the surrounding streets, too. Parking up the hill on Gregory Tce is often a good idea. As other reviews have mentioned, bar prices are a bit ridiculous - enough to chip five stars back to four. There is also often a limited amount of food available for purchase, but I wouldn't trust it. I DON'T. I don't trust it. You also can't really count on it, because you can bet that the night you're in there and starving is the night that they're not doing any food. I'll also admit to queueing for a few gigs over the years. Take something to sit on, if you can, and if it's an overcast day, take an umbrella. Costin St is quiet enough for easy queueing, but the asphalt is uneven and uncomfortable and there's very minimal rain cover if you're waiting outside! This is a timely review, because the Tivoli's up for auction in July, and if it doesn't continue on as a music venue, it may just break Brisbane's heart. I wasn't too concerned when I first heard the auction news, but there's growing concern that it may be more favoured as a development site, so... fingers crossed the music lives on. read more

I love going to live concerts whether its a local band or a massive act and often the venue makes the concert. I went for the first time to the Tivoli a few moths ago to see the Jezebels which are a great Australian band. I was seriously impressed when i walked into the Tivoli because of the layout of the place initially. It reminded me of a old theater with old wooden architraves and velvet curtains. I was aslo impressed with the vast number of amazing performers and bands that have been there in the past. It gave the place a real sense of history and that it had a thousand stories. I was glad to say that the gig was amazing and the band was just as good. Although they are great in thier own right i cant help but feel as if the Tivloi and its amazing acoustics gave the performance something special and extra. I would not hesitate to go see another gig at the Tivoli and would urge bands to try and play there if they ever get the chance. read more

Ah the Tivoli, it is such a pretty looking place. This is one of my favourite music venues and whenever I find out a band I like will be performing there, I get excited because I know I will get to go to the Tiv again. The Tivoli was once a theatre and for many years has been used as a music venue. It looks pretty bare from the outside but once you step inside, it is just glorious. The art deco mirrors and fancy red carpet give this place a very elegant feel. It is not the biggest music venue though so short people beware- if you really want to see your favourite band play- be prepared to have to tackle your way to the front to get a descent view. Most of the shows held here are from international acts, the type that will get a lot of airplay on Triple J radio. This venue is also fully licensed and has a bar on each side of the stage. I have not been to the Tivoli in a very long time, I do not know why, but I sure hope that changes soon because I really do love this place. read more

I'm always stoked when a gig's booked at the Tivoli because of the following reasons: Location. The Tivoli is centrally located and can be easily accessed from Fortitude Valley, New Farm, or Spring Hill. It's just a stroll away from the Fortitude Valley train station and many bus stops. Cleanliness. The toilets are extravagantly decorated with patterned wallpaper and gold, antique mirrors. There's even a full-length in the women's washroom. The floor is carpeted and never sticky like at other music venues where alcohol's involved. Bar. There are jugs of ice water and cups that you can access for free. But the drinks and chips are overpriced - a fact I suspect they try to distract concert goers from with the cute bar staff. Layout. The Tivoli's a great venue regardless of whether it's a sitting/standing show because there are graduating levels to the place, and balconys overhanging the stage . Just a warning - you're not allowed to bring professional camera gear into The Tivoli. This even includes SLRs that you might only bring for personal use. The security will make you stow it away in the back room to be collected after the gig. read more

I've seen hundreds of bands over the years at many different venues all over Australia, and The Tivoli is probably my favourite of any of them. It's large enough for a reasonably popular band to play. The air conditioning is brilliant and very welcome, the viewing from almost anywhere is fantastic and the acoustics are very good. I've seen "Opeth" and "Ace Frehley" play here and I'll definitely be back for more. Highly recommended indeed. read more

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One of the most embarrassing stories of my life managed to happen this year trying to get into a Vampire Weekend gig, thinking we could outsmart the system and bribe a security guard to get in, my friend and I brought along a whole bunch of money and snuck up to the bouncer to tell him we had "100 reasons to let us in without tickets." To which the bouncer on the door started laughing at us hysterically that even though the tickets had sold out online there were still tickets available for purchase on the door and that it had been a nice try. So the moral of the story and the incredibly useful piece of information you need to take away from this review is. Even if you get up at 9am to grab tickets online and they sell out in 2 minutes and you miss out. GO ANYWAY AND BUY TICKETS AT THE DOOR. Lesson learnt. Hopefully I have managed to save you some heartache. read more

This venue is a really excellent venue, Has room for approximately 5000 people, so it's close and personal. You can get up very close to the stage. It's has two levels, it's located near the Old Brisbane Museum Site, near the Ekka. Parknig can be a problem. Taylor Swift had her first ever Australian concert here. read more

What a beautiful venue to host a tawdry, overpriced strip show, billed as a classic night of burlesque. Ladies were beautiful, however this was not produced professionally - diss appointing from the normal standard of entertainment provided by the Tivoli. read more

Old School Charm with huge ballroom great to see your fav band. Friendly staff, Reasonable drink prices and have constant live acts performing. read more