NOTE: The Saloon has been renovating for a while. Tarko are playing elsewhere at the moment (10.6.02)
February 20, 2001
South Yarra Saloon has always been a pub accomodating for a much older crowd. However times are changing down there, especially on Tuesday. With 4 pool tables, and a main central bar, it has usually been a laid back relaxing bar.
In a pub with a very western feeling, five twenty-something guys, better known as Tarko, blow away the crowd with their music every Tuesday night. Their music is mainly targeted at the younger population (uni students flock in great numbers), doing covers of current alternative music such as Creed, Limp Bizkit, Blink 182, Red Hot Chili Peppers and occasionally throw in Aussie classics from Hunters and Collectors.
Tuesday nights at Saloon would have to be one of the best places to be seen if you're in your twenties and love a band that does fantastic covers. Tarko begin playing at about 10:30 so that's usually the time the crowds roll in, but by about 11pm the dance floor is packed with eager gorgeous girls trying to get closer to the sexy band, and sexy guys trying to get closer to the girls.
However if you are up for a big drinking night, happy hour begins at 8:30-9:30 where basic spirits and pots are $2.50, so I suggest arriving early and downing a few drinks.
Between sets the DJ plays some current dance music to keep the energy levels high, but I think its Tarko who steal the show. They love getting the crowd involved and everyone having a good time. Drink-cards are handed out to the best dancers, drinking contests occur and at times karaoke, whereby whoever is willing to sing a song they can play just has to ask and they get their three minutes of fame.
Overall Tuesday nights are a great night out at Saloon. Usually ending at 1pm with everyone wanting to kick on afterwards. I have now been the last 4 weeks in a row and every time is better than the last. So I recommend it to anyone and everyone.
