More live music venues close their doors

Two more music venues have closed their doors permanently, while another has cancelled shows while it’s closed for renovations.

Melbourne’s Empress of India Hotel, long time supporter of emerging acts, has closed its doors, apparently indefinitely. Scheduled artists were this week scrambling around trying to find alternate venues. Its freelance booker, Zen Mejglo, confirmed he is no longer working there. He suggested that the closure was due to “family reasons” by owner Sandra Eunso who took over North Fitzroy venue in 1986.

Rockampton, Queensland, nightclub Studio 2 has also shuttered, with the business believed to be in administration.

Owner Tim Austin explained, “Due to the downturn in the market and low attendance in the entertainment precinct we have no choice but to close.” The Annandale in Sydney has closed at least until autumn for renovations. Its new owners Oscars Hotel Group have not confirmed if bands will return then.

Three months ago, when they took over the premises, they announced they would initially trial the continuation of live music until end of December.

As reported in The Music Network, two new live music venues have opened in Sydney. The 400-capacity Jam Gallery has opened in Bondi Junction, at the former site of BJ’s nightclub, after six months of renovation. The Bank in Newtown has opened for business, with a band room at the top complete with low booths, dark wood, skulls and crocodile skin. Sydney pub group Solotel bought it in September 2012 and renovated it. It’s aimed at the area’s “young and eclectic” people with beer gardens and designer cocktails.

Meantime, the 300-capacity Murray’s At Manly has undergone a name change to the Yardarm Taphouse by its new owners. But they continue the policy of featuring live entertainment on the weekend.