Live music a highlight of new ANU Canberra precinct Kambri

“The Cultural Centre will transform by night to a thriving venue for bands and performances,” said Australian National University vice-chancellor Professor Brian Schmidt AC.

“We will regain our reputation for being Canberra’s home for live music.”

Prof. Schmidt was speaking at the opening of the ANU’s new $250 million Kambri Precinct (“meeting place” of the local First Australians nation) which opened this week.

The precinct boasts five new buildings including a student hall and a health and life centre, a tree-lined promenade and 40 new shops and services.

The state of art cultural centre includes a large hall for live music – there are plans to attract international acts – as well as a theatre and cinema.

A new bar Badger & Co will host live acts, as will the ANU Union which will be restricted to acoustic performances in the heavily soundproofed ANU Commons building and surrounding courtyard due to the proximity of residential apartments.

Kimbri opened with a free lunchtime concert featuring folk duo Guyy & the Fox, emerging jazz act ALOÏSE + band and high profile folk ensemble The Tipsy Scholars.

Also in attendance was Peter Garrett who recalled playing his first very gig nearby in a band called Devil’s Breakfast.

He said he was excited at the emergence of a new venue to showcase live music.

“But I think we’ll have to dirty up this venue a little bit,” he quipped.