Venues Updates: The Espy, Kingdom Comes, Unibar & more

ESPY SET TO REOPEN

Melbourne’s The Espy, aka The Esplanade, officially reopens in late November.

But its Gershwin Room will be unofficially christened with a performance by The Teskey Brothers and singer-songwriter Emilee South and band on Thursday, November 22.

Sandy Hill Road will release more information on the unveiling closer to the date.

But venue programme manager, Shaun Adams. emphasises: “The Espy has always been, and will continue to be, the home of live music in St Kilda and Sand Hill Road will continue this tradition with three stages catering to the eclectic range of contemporary musical tastes.”

KINGDOM SOUNDS ADDS FIVE MORE VENUES

NSW Central Coast venue, events and artist management company Kingdom Sounds has added five more venues to its roster.

• The 500-capacity Byron Bay Brewery which draws big crowds for its live bands and choice of beer.
• Bloom (300) in Geelong Victoria, opened in January 2018.
• The Beaches Hotel (500) in Thirroul in the Wollongong area, and considered a pivotal venue in showcasing new acts in the ‘Gong’s live music renaissance.
• The Entertainment Grounds, an hour’s drive from Sydney, and previously known as Gosford Race Club, its capacity ranges from 1500 to 10,000 and considered the premier events precinct on the Central Coast.
• Previously known as The Fishing Club, the Coffs Harbour Amphitheatre at The Red-C is a new harbourside function centre which will also play host to outdoor live music events with audiences ranging from 2500 to 5000.

The new additions bring Kingdom Sounds’ venue tally to nearly 20, including Home Sydney, Proud Mary’s Central Coast, The Basement Canberra and The Small Ballroom Newcastle.

ADELAIDE UNIBAR SAVED BY STUDENTS?

In the wake of news that long Adelaide live music hub Unibar was being given its walking papers by the University of Adelaide, moves are afoot for students to team with staff to operate the place.

MOO WILL PLAY CANBERRA

Groovin’ The Moo might have parted ways with its long time Canberra home, the University of Canberra, but festival promoter Cattleyard maintains that the festival will still be playing Canberra on its 2019 run.

However, we will have to wait until mid next week when the entire tour’s venues and dates are announced.

PEKING DUK OPEN BAR IN MELBOURNE

Peking Duk are opening their own bar in Melbourne, Talk To Me, on Commercial Road in Prahran, on Friday, November 16.

Adam Hyde and Reuben Styles decided to move in after their favourite bar in Melbourne, Less Than Zero, went on the market.

It’s got a “speakeasy” format, similar to the secret clubs which operated during America’s “prohibition”.

FOWLER’S LIVE WINDING UP

After Fowler’s Live in Adelaide had its lease cancelled by the building’s new owner, it has three more shows to go.

These are Ash on November 14, Steve Hofstetter (17) and Shihad (18).

Venue operator Peter Darwin is working on a number of projects, including programming the music for Superloop Adelaide 500.

The 500-capacity room gets taken over by Five Four Entertainment on January 1 to provide a wider range of entertainment.

CAIRNS PAC SET FOR GALA OPENING

The Cairns Performing Arts Centre is set for a December 15 gala opening with the entire Cairns precinct alive with various events to make the place come alive.

In Munro Martin Parklands, there’ll be a host of local bands as well as Jazz under the Jade Vines with James Morrison.

Inside CPAC are choirs, dancers, orchestras and bands in a performance of Symphony for Tomorrow.

HUDSON BALLROOM CLOSES

Hudson Ballroom in Sydney’s Liverpool Street has reportedly gone dark as the heritage building is set to go through major renovations.

 NAME CHANGE FOR COFFS HARBOUR STADIUM

Coffs Harbour International Stadium will become C.ex Coffs Stadium four years after it struck a naming rights agreement with events company C.ex Group.

The agreement has been extended for five years, with further multi-year options.

This time, the company will change the name.

The stadium is currently undergoing a $19 million revamp.

WAY UP NORTH

After a three year restoration, The Great Northern in Newcastle has re-opened under its new owners.

The venue is one of the best-known drinking and music spots in the city.

The refurbishment was continually delayed due to legal challenges, closures and building issues dating back to before the 1989 Newcastle earthquake.