Calling all city slicking boozers, it’s time to saddle up! Because Jolene’s bar - Sydney’s home of Nashville country music - is cutting loose for a week of Country & Western fun to celebrate their first birthday!
From Wednesday 29 March to Saturday 1 April, Jolene’s will be hosting their 1st Birthday Hoedown - a week of cowboy fuelled fun that celebrates all the things Country, Western & Nashville! The perfect venue to live your 'Rip & Beth Dutton' dreams.
From smoked brisket fries and live country bands, to killer cocktails inspired by Country Music stars, Sydney-siders won’t want to miss out on this one-of-its-kind hoedown in the heart of the YCK Laneway precinct.
If you are ready to let your inner-cowboy out, the venue is hosting a Big Buck Hunter tournament on the Friday and Saturday nights, with prizes on offer for the highest scores, including bar tabs, brand-new Jolene’s merch and a Young Henry’s Brewery tour for two.
“Our birthday party is all about our guests. We appreciate every single customer who has walked down our stairs over our first year, so we wanted to thank them the only way we know how…by throwing one hell of a Country party,” says Simon Rose-Hopkins the owner and founder of Jolene’s.
The week of entertainment and whiskey will build to the official birthday party hoedown on Saturday 1 April when Jolene’s owner, Simon-Rose Hopkins - who is famous for being at his Sydney bar almost all of the past 365 days - is taking the night off to celebrate the venue with attendees.
“It's my own birthday four days before Jolene’s birthday, and my wedding anniversary three days after, so I'm really looking forward to sharing a drink with our guests.”
Doors open at 4pm on the Saturday for the humdinger of a hoedown with live music from 6.30pm until 1am. Kicking things off on the night will be Ohio born Charlie Finn followed by the newly-launched Jolene’s All-Star House band. Living up to the All-Star name, the band has a rotating roster of talented musicians: the core lineup includes Lozz Benson (Drums & Vocals), who has drummed for the likes of The Wiggles, Kate Ceberano, John Butler Trio and most recently, was mentored by Keith Urban on The Voice. Duncan Toombs (Vocals & Guitar) who has played guitar for Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand, Lee Kernaghan and Adam Harvey, and he has also just released his debut album “Steel on Steel” which topped No.1 on the ARIA country charts. Blake Dantier (vocals, keyboard, guitar) is an emerging songwriter recently nominated for Best New Talent and Traditional Country Album of the Yea at the 2023 Golden Guitar Awards. Rounding out the night will be CK & The 45s.
If you can’t make it down on Saturday evening, never fear, because Jolene’s is opening up their birthday celebrations all week long, with limited-edition birthday merch available, and a brand-new cocktail and food menu to boot. Each of the cocktails on offer pay homage to the iconic country artist booths that the venue is beloved for, including Dolly Parton’s ‘9-5,’ Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story,’ and Chris Stapleton’s ‘Broken Halos.’ The whole night will be sponsored by Young Henry’s who will be slinging $5 Newtowner’s and Sydney Beer Co Lagers during Happy Hour, alongside Jolene’s expansive collection of American whiskies.
The country music will also be running all week long, kicking off with country-singer Lucie Tiger (Wednesday night), Blake Dantier (Thursday night) and Bryen and the Bayou Boys (Friday night), giving all punters a healthy helping of classic country and western.
