THE Vanguard in Newtown is no more.

The iconic venue, a showcase for top performers over the years including Elvis Costello, Diesel and Russell Crowe, and more recently cutting-edge burlesque and comedy, has closed its doors.

But entertainment and music junkies need not despair — the venue at 42 King St will reopen in early August as Leadbelly and will feature free live acts, coupled with food and drinks.

“When we saw the place we immediately fell in love,” said Luke O’Donohoe who, with partner Zac Davis, has big plans for Leadbelly.

The partners own Tipple on Chalmers St in Surry Hills, but wanted to expand.

The co-owners have got Ben McFarlane on board as licensee and bar manager.

media_camera Elvis Costello has visited the iconic spot. media_camera And so has our very own Russell Crowe.

They intend to offer free music Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, along with a top-notch bar menu seven days a week.

“We’re saying goodbye to the burlesque and comedy,” said Mr O’Donohoe, “But it’s not the end of the story, it’s a new beginning. We are very excited about the future.”

Leadbelly is named after Huddie William Ledbetter — a blues singer widely known as “Lead Belly” — who died in 1949, but not before he’d killed a man, been imprisoned and pardoned by the Texas governor because he wrote a song for him.

media_camera Game Of Thrones has taken the stage at the Vanguard. media_camera Diesel has also performed there.

“But we’re not just about blues,” Mr O’Donohoe said.

“We’ll have rock and roll, country … We want to give local music a chance and I think in time we’ll get some top acts too.”

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

THE three movers and shakers behind Leadbelly — business partners Luke and Zac and bar manager and licensee Ben McFarlane — all learned the ropes at Merivale, operators of more than 50 pubs, clubs and live venues across Sydney, helmed by flamboyant Justin Hemmes.

Luke O’Donohoe was operations manager at the Establishment, with Zac Davis holding the same position at Ivy.

Ben McFarlane came over from Belfast five years ago and was bar manager at Papi Chulo on Manly Wharf. “Sydney’s in my blood,” he told the Courier. “It’s my bubble, the place I love to be ... with a lot always happening in the entertainment area.

“Leadbelly’s really going to add to the scene with great acts and the best cocktails and beers you’ll find in Sydney,” he said.

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