Haven’s story starts with a supermarket. The venue at 102 Jonson Street occupies the former Woolworths building, a site presented as a temporary home for music and community, before the building is eventually redeveloped. Instead of hiding that impermanence, the team made it the point. The space was built entirely from salvaged materials, turning a commercial site into a cultural one which is reminiscent of a futuristic Pan-Asian set from Blade Runner and Ghost in the Shell.
Haven was created by father and son Corr and Jai Piccone. Oliver Buckworth and Zelimir Harasty led the fitout and artistic design, with lighting by Conor McCallum and Tony Funicello. A year after opening its doors, Haven is marking the occasion with a three-day anniversary weekender, this coming Friday to Sunday.
Friday: Day one (5pm to midnight)
London’s Midland leads the night with a genre-defying sound that moves between house, techno and breaks. His 2024 debut album Fragments of Us appeared on best-of-year lists at Resident Advisor, Mixmag and DJ Mag. Joining him is Nice Girl, the New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based Ruby Kerkhofs, whose playful, psychedelic sets range from trippy house to hypnotic techno. Haven residents Jai Piccone and Exxy play a back-to-back set.
Saturday: Day two (5pm to midnight)
Italian producer Cioz takes over in collaboration with Flow Music, bringing psychedelic house and driving rhythms. Brisbane’s Phil Smart, named Australian DJ of the Year at the 2000 National Dance Music Awards, plays alongside fellow Brisbane artist Winona Router. Haven resident Asha Franco opens with sundowner sets.
Sunday: Day three 2pm to 10pm, open air on the terrace)
The weekend closes with a Sunday terrace party led by Steve Bug, a pioneer of European house and minimal techno, whose Poker Flat label has helped shape the underground for decades. Byron locals DJ Ingrid, Al Royale and Zac Stars support, along with Melbourne’s Luke MCD. Expect vinyl and terrace sessions all day.
It’s a lineup that mixes international names, interstate visitors and the locals who made Haven what it is. Come for one night or better yet, all three.
Single-day and weekender tickets are available now on Humanitix.
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