The Soda Factory is a serious hipster small bar on the fringe of the CBD in Surry Hills. Can you picture an American themed, exposed ceiling beams and bare brick walled bar? Kelly beards are not mandatory. Neither are they out of place. Easy drinking American beers, tasty ciders and cocktails, from an extensive list, are there to wash down fried chicken, buffalo wings, nachos and burgers.

The Soda Factory has launched Soda Open Stage, on Wednesday nights, to showcase emerging talent, guest musicians and touring internationals.

The house band was joined by Michelle Martine, who sang some playful jazz and stirring soul. She sang a mixture of covers and originals. The crowd was brought to life by an enigmatic cover of Amy Winehouse’s Rehab. Her voice and style suit the song and Michelle delivered a powerful performance.

At times she was reminiscent of a robust Nora Jones or a female Jamie Cullum. The house band played what they called an old school set that included unrestrained versions of Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together and Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On.

Listening to a bunch of talented musicians blasting out some soul classics was a good way of spending  a Wednesday night.

Michelle Martine returned and purred and pranced her way through “I see you driving ’round town with the girl I love”, which was another lively performance.

The evening continued with more covers from the house band such as Bob Marley’s Is This Love and Stevie Wonder’s Signed, Sealed, Delivered.

Soda Open Stage is a great concept that is held in an atmospheric venue conveniently located at   16A Wentworth Ave, Surry Hills. http://www.sodafactory.com.au/