Live music venue, Palais-Hepburn, has closed its doors.

Owner Richard Fanale made the announcement on the venue’s Facebook page after sending out a message to patrons and performers.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the closure of Palais-Hepburn. 

“We deeply regret to inform you that, due to the current state of the economy, increase in expenses and other unforeseen circumstances, we have made the difficult decision to cease operations. 

“We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the talented artists and dedicated agents who entrusted us with showcasing their work.

“Your creativity and passion have been Palais-Hepburn’s soul, and we are honoured to be part of your journey.  

“To our patrons, your unwavering support for local businesses has been the backbone of our success. Your enthusiasm for our events and commitment to our vision made each day at Palais-Hepburn special.  

“Lastly, to our exceptional staff, your hard work, passion, dedication, and resilience have been the driving force behind everything we achieved.”

Mr Fanale said on a personal note, he thanked his friends and family for their support, encouragement and understanding.”

The Local‘s music writer and Hepburn resident Darren Lowe said it was sad another venue had fallen victim to “these economic times”.

“Richard Fanale has run the beautiful, eclectic and stunning venue for the last five and a half years, since November 2018, where part of the experience has always been entering the venue itself, soaking in the atmosphere and feeling that you were somewhere else far more exotic than Hepburn Springs.

“In fact, for many tourists it was the experience of inextricably linking the venue with our town, perhaps making us feel a little more exotic.

“Elegance was always assured, where an acoustic act, rock band, cabaret style revue, fancy lunch, pulsating dance music or school concert were all catered for with aplomb, professionalism and respect for both artist and audience. Fine dining always accompanied gigs.

“Headline acts, up and comers and recent open mic nights were regular features on the calendar.

“Unfortunately, when we add this to the list of pubs, cafes and other venues lost in the area over the last few years, it is really devastating to dwell upon, perhaps reflected across the rest of the country and a reminder to get out and support live music wherever possible.”

Darren said there could be a number of low-key farewell events.

“Palais-Hepburn was an important and vibrant part of an official Christmas celebration of our little village, only late last year, where unfortunately six months later only one of those five to six venues still remain.”

Words: Donna Kelly. Image: Eve Lamb

From 70s jams to 80s pop hits, Second Hand News will play two huge sets of songs spanning Fleetwood Mac’s incredible career in its upcoming live show at the Palais, Hepburn.

Those who get to this upcoming Saturday evening gig on May 11 can expect to hear those signature guitar solos and vocals brought to life in songs like ‘Rhiannon’, ‘The Chain’ and ‘Everywhere’.

Locals may remember this group from their sold out Fleetwood Mac show at the Palais last year, or perhaps they also saw their special tribute to Kate Bush.

With musical backgrounds ranging from cabaret to folk, blues, rock, punk and soul, this group brings a diverse skill set to their live music experiences.

Detailed instrumentation, awesome harmonies and a deep appreciation for the Fleetwood Mac songbook make Second Hand News’ upcoming Palais gig one to catch with more details available through the venue’s website.

Bringing smoky jazz to Palais-Hepburn, for a Friday night gig on May 10, The Valentines is a new duo in town.

Chrissy Schuler and Sarah Barlow have decades of experience between them, spanning classical, jazz, rock, soul and blues on piano, voice and horns.

Inspired by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Nina Simone, this duo is perfect for a cozy Friday evening of your favourite jazz tunes and fine wine.

Since its conception at the start of 2023, The Valentines have appeared at the Be_Hear/Now.23 Festival, the Ballarat Heritage Festival and residencies in wine bars.

The music spans swing, Latin, soul, bossa nova and R&B, played on piano, voice, flute, clarinet and saxophone.

More details about their upcoming gig at the Palais can be found on the venue’s website.

For one show only, Australia’s premier collective of female songwriters and performers, Women of Soul, bring their soul revue to the Palais Hepburn Springs on Sunday March 24.

It’s a matinee show – 1pm-4pm and a chance to catch Melbourne’s own fierce femme ensemble live before they perform at the iconic Byron Bluesfest.

For over ten years, Women of Soul have presented original soul featuring artists such as Mo’Ju, Clairy Browne, Kylie Auldist, Stella Angelico and many more.

In 2023 the second Women of Soul release ‘Feel Good’, produced by Anna Laverty and Chelsea Wilson, was the first LP in Australian to be entirely performed, produced and composed by an all female team.

The album was featured on double j, TODAY EXTRA Channel 9, and Frankie Magazine, and nominated for the Australian Music Prize.

Hussy Hicks, the dynamic duo of Leesa Gentz and Julz Parker, have conquered the last decade of the Australian music industry with their unique blend of folk, blues, country, and roots.

With their innovative approach and relentless drive to stretch themselves creatively, Hussy Hicks have continued to innovate and push boundaries with their music and projects, captivating audiences all over the world.

They are set to perform at The Palais, Hepburn on Saturday, March 16.

This will be a special night with the full band and special guest Kelly Brouhaha, an accomplished acoustic guitarist with a vocal so powerful the audience is sometimes left in tears.

Brouhaha has racked a string of major festivals in 2023 including Gympie Music Muster, Woodford Folk Festival & Groundwater Music Festival.

Folk, blues & country audiences alike are discovering a modern day Brandi Carlile / Chris Stapleton and it’s easy to see why audiences across Australia are banding together at her infectious live shows.

The Palais-Hepburn is preparing to host Claire Anne Taylor and her band, as they present ‘Giving it Away’ the highly anticipated third studio album from the lauded Tasmanian songwriter.

Taylor brings her ‘Giving it Away’ tour to The Palais on Friday, February 23, an evening performance also featuring special guest Jethro Pickett.

With a distinctively emotive and powerful vocal ability that simultaneously expresses both an inner strength and a vulnerability, Tasmania’s Claire Anne Taylor has garnered a reputation for her powerful live shows – tough and tender performances that command audiences to a silence.

“One of those rare artists that comes along once in a blue moon,” wrote Shane Howard of Goanna about Taylor.

And the Sydney Morning Herald wrote of her: “One could make many a comparison when it comes to Claire Anne Taylor’s voice – Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, early Mia Dyson, all spring to mind and all are evident in Taylor’s vocal delivery. But essentially, it’s hers and hers alone. Husky, smokey, velvet and barbed, it’s an instrument in itself and it commands your attention.”

Second Hand News, the band that presented three sell out shows (Fleetwood Mac & Kate Bush) are promising to bring “one hell of a New Year’s Eve party” to The Palais, with a specially curated night of solid gold Studio 54 dance floor hits.

Studio 54 was the giddy epicenter of 70s hedonism, a disco hothouse of the most eccentric characters where anything went. Think plunging necklines, big hair, big jewelry, big personalities, the sound of sequins and the tinkling of whiskey and Champagne glasses as the local venue prepares to usher in 2024.

Second Hand News recreates the experience of seeing Fleetwood Mac in their heyday. Made up of veteran local musicians (Melissa Brausch, Josh Chicoine, Mike Holtz, Dan Ingenthron, Mike Vanier, and Lindsay Weinberg), the band features spot-on vocal harmonies, careful attention to detail, and electric live shows.

DJ Rich will also be on hand later in the evening right through to 2am, January 1, ’24 to take guests to the world of turntables and the 7” 45rpm vinyl single….from the dawn of the pop era in the 50’s and 60’s, rock classics to Motown soul, 70’s disco, 80’s new wave and old school hip hop.

Rich has done recent DJ sets at Dark Mofo, guest DJ to both John Farnham and Missy Higgins at the Botanical Gardens, Adelaide Beer & BBQ Festival, Panama Festival in Tasmania + more.

Tickets are limited and there’s prizes for ‘Best Dressed’.

British India emerged from the underbelly of the Melbourne indie rock scene with a love for music and a driving determination that transformed four high school friends into a fierce garage band.

They quickly gained a reputation for explosive live shows and the ability to write great pop songs.

Over a 10-year period, British India notched up eight entries into the Hottest 100, released six albums, achieved ARIA Gold & Platinum Record status, and played at every major festival in the country.

They have headlined over 800 shows and, pleasing local fans and out-of-towners alike they will finally make their debut performance at the Palais-Hepburn on Friday evening November 24th.

An awesome line up of live music is in store as The Palais, Hepburn hosts a free all-ages gig later this month.

Coming up Thursday, September 28, the music gets started from 6pm with a line-up featuring The Lydains, Elo and the Shin Kicks, Elysium, and The Hobyahs.

The crew at the Palais-Hepburn say they have crafted a delicious menu to keep attendees’ well-fed and happy while they rock out to some top local music.

The free Freeza event is all-ages and family friendly and is a strictly vape, smoke, drug and alcohol free event.

Tenzin’s message is uplifting and his joyfulness is infectious.

Acknowledged as one of the world’s finest Tibetan musicians, Tenzin Choegyal’s cantering rhythms, soaring vocals and exquisite flute solos have enchanted audiences around the globe and next month they’ll enchant plenty of local music lovers at The Palais, Hepburn.

A son of Tibetan nomads, he feels a particular connection to the music of the Himalayan plateau and remains dedicated to preserving Tibet’s musical traditions. At the same time, he effortlessly embraces diverse genres and musical styles, welcoming opportunities to move away from the traditional and into more contemporary, uncharted territory. An outstanding composer/performer with a great depth of musical knowledge, intuition and inventiveness, he skilfully brings Tibetan music firmly into a contemporary setting, all the while strongly holding the essence of ancient Tibetan wisdom.

Tenzin’s powerful vocals and connection with his audiences have established him as a favourite on the world music scene. He plays dranyen (Tibetan lute) and lingbu (bamboo flute) but is best known for his extraordinary vocal ability and performance of droklu, the nomadic music of his parents.

His concerts encompass soaring nomadic melodies, sublime flute pieces, sacred poetry and playful folk tunes, bringing traditional Tibetan sounds and practices into a very contemporary setting,

Through his music and warm explanations, Tenzin takes audiences on a musical journey which transcends cultural boundaries and reveals ancient wisdoms, even inviting them to join him in lively singalongs and meditative mantras.

Tenzin sees music as a universal form of communication with no boundaries, “like drifting clouds that fly freely over the man-made geographical borders in this infinite space of possibilities”.

For Tenzin music is life, no matter where he is. “My music has evolved through my own journey from Tibet to India to Australia and around the world. But wherever I am in the world, my music also connects me to my homeland of Tibet.”

Tenzin plays the Palais on Friday, August 25 with the show scheduled to get started from 6.30pm.