It’s all happening around the Green Table

Join the fun: David Gillespie serves drinks to patrons at the Green Table social club. Picture: Rob Carew

By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS

A FORMER farmhouse in Dandenong will be a hive of live music over the next month.

The Green Table, a little-known social club founded by Dutch migrants in 1961, will host a Creedence Clearwater Revival cover band, rock’n’roll band The Reggies and rockabilly band The Atomic Hi-Tones.

Spokesman David Gillespie said the club, a homely oasis in industrial Balmoral Avenue, wants to draw in more people socialising and longing for live music.

“It’s like having a beer in someone’s home garage. You can have a chat by the fireplace without being disturbed by poker machines.”

What started as a gathering of eight ‘Dutchies’ around the kitchen was now multicultural, Mr Gillespie said. But in recent times, the club had been losing members.

“Everyone’s got home entertainment systems and can download movies. People don’t tend to socialise as much. Well, we’re here for people who like live music and a bit of atmosphere,” Mr Gillespie said.

“I didn’t even know the club was here until seven years ago. It’s tucked away in an industrial area – it’s one of those little-known local secrets.”

For Mr Gillespie, the club’s prime attractions are the fire, cheap beer and a free game of pool. It’s open most weeknights for those wanting to wind down after work.

Live music hits the club this Saturday, with Ramble Tamble covering Creedence Clearwater Revival tunes. The following Friday, there’s a sausage sizzle of Rob’s British Butchery meats, a double happy-hour and The Reggies. On June 16, The Atomic Hi-Tones take the stage, and The Reggies return on July 6.

The Green Table is at 16 Balmoral Avenue, Dandenong. Ramble Tamble play from 9.30pm this Saturday. Entry $10. Details: www.greentable.tk, greentable1961@hotmail.com or 9798 4459.

For all the latest breaking news, visit greaterdandenongweekly.com.au. Follow the Greater Dandenong Weekly on Twitter @DandenongWeekly.