Soirée In The Stacks

Join us for drinks, canapés, and an evening of hot swinging jazz amongst the stacks of the Melbourne Athenaeum Library.

Established in 1839, the Melbourne Athenaeum has supported the city's cultural and educational life for close to 200 years. Originally known as the Mechanic's Institution, it housed the city’s first official library, first art gallery, and even the town council meetings until the Melbourne Town Hall was built. The Library started as a collection of donated books. An annual subscription of one pound enabled members to become part of an educational and cultural hub. Now, with a collection of over 30,000 books, it remains a subscription library, providing a peaceful and welcoming space in the centre of the bustling city.

Formed in 2008 by guitarist, Peter Baylor Ultrafox present the finest of French-style gypsy jazz from Melbourne, Australia. Their music is typified by the muscular driving, swing rhythm of acoustic guitars and double bass. The working trio augments its sound by adding clarinet, saxophone, violin, accordion, and vocals to suit the occasion. Hot swinging jazz to tender lyrical ballads, french melodies, gypsy waltzes, and original compositions, make up the band's extensive repertoire.

Your attendance at this special event will support the ongoing work of The Johnston Collection and our award-winning exhibitions and programs.