I really didn’t know what to expect with Red Bennies. I knew the venue was the old Viper Room, a notorious nightclub associated with drugs, guns and violence, and the new owners were very keen to banish not only the clubs’ past, but rather improve the whole overall image of the South Side. From the effort put into the opening Saturday night, I dare say Red Bennies will quickly establish itself as one of the coolest places to be in Melbourne.

Walking up the stairs, it quickly became apparent Red Bennies is aiming for a classy crowd. There is brass and silver everywhere, a large glass smoking area upon which is a balcony fitted with a small bar. There are two well stocked bars either side of the small dancefloor, and a small centre stage catches the eye with its luscious red velvet curtains. There were beautiful women draped in delicious finery, and gorgeous men looking like they were born in their suits. I was dressed in a hoody and jeans and as you can imagine, I felt a little underdressed, but there was no snobbery from these new gentiles.

The wait for the bar for my complimentary champagne was rather long, but this was because the cocktail staff lovingly creates drinks to order. There are no premixes or frozen slushy drinks here! Although I didn’t order a cocktail, the drinks appear to be reasonably priced. I got change from ordering an Asahi which is a rare thing these days.

Emma Peel was on the ones and twos, looking as amazing as ever and spinning some fine funk and rare groove. There were a few people dancing, but the hubbub of people talking wasn’t eclipsed by the music so it was perfect for catching up with people. Projected on the stage curtains was some old b&w films, adding to the decadent 1920s feel of the venue.

The MC announced himself and came onto stage. I didn’t catch his name, but he had the crowd in his palm by doing the old dividing the crowd into two and getting them to cheer trick. He told a fair few jokes, many of which were cringe worthy, but not nearly as cringe worthy as hammering two forks up his nose!

Grant Goldie was introduced, and he proceeded to dazzle the audience with his Yo-Yo skills. I felt he was very Chaplin-esc in the way he moved and interacted with the crowd – no talking, just a silly grin and a glance here and there. Once he was done, a trapeze lowered and Tank was introduced to the crowd. She wowed everyone with her burlesque style swing set, showing amazing strength and agility and no doubt putting a few hearts into a flutter.

Emma Peel kicked off the music again with some fine funk, and got people up and salsa dancing to her cool funk. After too short a while, for I could watch Emma spin for hours, Cookin’ on 3 Burners took to the stage. Inspired by the Hammond Organ funk groups of Jimmy Smith, Reuben Wilson and Jimmy McGriff, Lance Ferguson (also of the Bamboos), Jake Mason and Ivan Khatchoyan entertained the crowd with their high energy funk. Amongst their original compositions they dropped their cover of Cars by Garry Numan, which was a crowd favourite judging by the reactive shout that came from everyone.

Kylie Auldist stepped out, resplendent in a nice gold trimmed dress, matching the class of the place brilliantly. She did a few of her own tracks, and a few Cookin’ On 3 Burners tracks, concluding with a brilliant rendition of Push It Up which simply blew my mind. The only issue I have with their set was it was too short. I would have loved to hear an encore or three.

Next up was a 70s pornstar styled DJ playing some very funky disco and soul from the likes of Aretha Franklin. I didn’t hear his name announced unfortunately, but would love to hear him play again.

Although I loved the venue, the music, and the crowd present on Saturday night, I do have one reservation about Red Bennies. I fear the special zaniness of the launch night will be eclipsed by the mediocrity of having to run a commercial enterprise. I loved seeing acrobats and burlesque and beautiful women dressed up to the nines whilst listening to some great music, but I have to admit I’m a rare breed. Hopefully though Red Bennies can appeal to more people like me, and be one of those special places which help define Melbourne as a cultural Mecca.