BMA Music
Club Cohen : Nightclub of the Afterlife
On the 8th anniversary of Leonard Cohen’s passing, Mikelangelo presents an unforgettable celebration to one of the greatest musical poets of our time. On Friday, 8 November, The Vault transforms into a nightclub of the afterlife, where the realms of the living and the dead collide in a joyous, soulful celebration of Leonard Cohen’s musical legacy.
Hosted by the charismatic Mikelangelo, this unique live show breathes new life into Cohen’s timeless songs, backed by The Band of Mercy. With a voice as rich as Cohen’s own baritone, Mikelangelo leads a handpicked ensemble of musicians, joined by a stellar line-up of special guests: Canberra legends Shortis & Simpson, Fred Smith, Alice Cottee, Tom Woodward, Tracy Bourne, and introducing the talents of Peter Campbell, Gemma Clare, and Lily Acheson.
Expect a moody, late-night groove as Cohen classics like I’m Your Man, You Want It Darker, Tower of Song, and Dance Me to the End of Love take centre stage. With sultry, club-style reworkings of Suzanne, Bird On A Wire, Famous Blue Raincoat, Hallelujah, and more, Club Cohen offers fans a rare chance to lose themselves on “boogie street” to the masterful words of Cohen.
“This show was born from a conversation with my old friend Martin Craft, whose work with Sidewinder and Jarvis Cocker,” Mikelangelo explains. “Putting Club Cohen together has reminded me of the sheer power and beauty of Leonard’s poetic vision. His songs shift the tectonic plates of my inner world—bringing tears, joy, and laughter, often all at once. Singing these songs with my friends is both an honour and a delight.”
“At 19, I stumbled upon Songs of Love and Hate in a second hand record shop. I knew nothing of Cohen at the time—it was the title that drew me in. The moment I heard Avalanche, I was transported to a wild, dramatic, beautiful landscape. Cohen’s words and music inspired my own songwriting and helped me find my artistic voice as a young man. Now, more than 30 years later, his work still moves me.”
Leonard Cohen’s music continues to resonate deeply with new generations long after his death, and no one is more attuned to his poetic legacy than Mikelangelo. Internationally celebrated for his original work as a solo artist and the leader of his long term band, The Black Sea Gentlemen, Mikelangelo has spent years interpreting the music of Cohen, as well as other iconic artists like Nick Cave and Tom Waits.
Following Cohen’s passing, Mikelangelo was chosen to curate and lead a tribute to his life and songs at Sydney Festival, where the show was a sold-out success. Now, with Club Cohen, he offers a fresh, heartfelt celebration of the songs that have shaped his own artistry, delivering them with the natural ease and depth only someone steeped in Cohen’s legacy can provide. This performance promises to be an unforgettable, one-night-only experience.
The Vault will be transformed into a classic nightclub with a full bar. Seating is limited, so early arrival is recommended to secure a spot. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind homage to Leonard Cohen, where the dance floor and the afterlife become one.
The Vault is located at 1 Dairy Road Fyshwick, access is available via Entrance 1 or 2, with entry via the P3 car park behind Capital Brewing Co.
Club Cohen | A CELEBRATION of the LIFE and MUSIC of LEONARD COHEN | Friday, November 8, 7 PM | Tickets start at $45+bf via Humanitix | For more info head to thevault.place or @thevault
