Monday Supper Club is a monthly event that supports local independent musicians and poets. It was started three years ago by singer songwriter Jane Cornes who has created an environment where lovers of fine words and music can listen and network.
"I wanted to create the sort of performance space that I as a performer yearned for: somewhere that provided cheap, hearty food while people listened to good music in a relaxed space with friends," said Jane.
Jane with husband Neil, the Supper Club techie
The supper clubs were originally only going to be held during the summer months (hence the domain name, summersupperclub.com), but the nights were such a success that they have been staged year-round since December 2012.
The venue for the Monday Supper Club is the Dome Cafe in Maylands, a beautifully restored Edwardian building dating from 1906 (originally the Peninsula Hotel). It is conveniently located across the road from the Maylands railway station.
The Dome Cafe in Maylands is housed in beautiful Edwardian building
Doors open at 6.45pm and the show begins at 7pm with a 15 minute spoken word act. This is followed by the main course, and then a 45 minute set from a local musical act. If time allows, there may be a short blackboard opportunity over coffee for anyone who wants to share their own poetry or music before the night wraps up at 9.30pm. Monday Supper Club is designed for the pleasure of both audiences and acts, so guests are asked to give performers their full attention and only chat during the breaks.
Tickets to the not-for-profit event are $45. For this you get the entertainment and a meal consisting of fresh bread and dips¸ a choice of four main courses (including a vegetarian option) and tea or coffee. You can BYO alcohol and corkage is included in the ticket price. Alcoholic drinks can be bought at the bottle shop next door, or across the railway line on Eighth Avenue, while soft drinks, hot beverages and cakes are sold in the café.
Inside the Dome Cafe in Maylands
Jane continues to search for the 'most acoustically divine' acts she can find and information is posted on the
Monday Supper Club website as soon as performers are confirmed. The next event is on Monday 8 February with musician Helen Townsend and poet Flora Smith.
Helen Townsend will provide the music at the Monday Supper Club on 8 February
All supper clubs are MC-ed by Jane, who ensures everybody is entertained. Other dates for this year are: 14 March, 18 April, 16 May, 13 June, 11 July, 8 August, 5 September, 10 October, 7 November, and 5 December.
Flora Smith is the wordsmith at the Monday Supper Club on 8 February
Tickets must be booked online via the link on the website as there are no door sales. If you want to sit with someone who has booked separately simply email Jane a few days in advance and she will arrange it.
If you're looking for an intimate musical experience, a reasonably priced meal and a great night out, the Monday Supper Club ticks all the boxes.
