Three Adelaide venues relaunch under new management
Three Adelaide music venues are getting to set to relaunch under new management – and all committed to showcasing South Australian music.
Lion Arts Factory re-opens next month on the 68 North Terrace site of the old Fowler’s Live following two months of renovation.
Its operator is management and booking agency Five Four Entertainment.
Co-director Craig Lock says they “are thrilled to take on such a beloved music and arts space, and continue its legacy as one of Adelaide’s premier live music venues”.
“We have been booking venues and events in Adelaide for many years, and are very excited to share the first taste of what we have planned,” he said.
It opens on February 7, followed by a sold-out show on the 15th by Eves Karydas + Lakyn, DZ Deathrays on the 16th, and West Thebarton on the 22nd.
Set to reopen in the second quarter, is UniBar, after a $1.6 million revamp and a relocation to the ground floor of Union House building.
Its new management consists of Gareth Lewis, Aaron Sandow and Marc Huber, of General Admission Entertainment.
The three previously ran the Kings Head on Williams Street, the Beer & BBQ Festival and the new Day On The Cans at Port Adelaide.
Lewis, who like Sandow is a former student, says, “We see UniBar as the cornerstone of the cultural fabric of student life and vital to the live music scene in Adelaide.
“The new UniBar will value and celebrate the past, while evolving to bring an updated experience to students, including an outstanding line-up of music acts.
“With our focus on live music and arts performance, we aim to encourage students, staff and other members of the community to remain on campus longer and be part of a vibrant and dynamic venue.”
In late 2018 there were reports that the venue, run for a decade by the University of Adelaide Staff Club, was closing.
Also arriving as a performing arts venue is Union Hall, in the Grote Street building which housed The Promethean club until a few years ago, and then a karaoke club.
The lease was taken over by James Pratt, leader of the Adelaide Chamber Orchestra, who will use the 120-capacity space for classical performances, musicals, comedy and cabaret.