Venues Update: December 2
Image: Ed Sheeran atAAMI Park in 2015
FRONTIER HOLDS RECORDS IN FOUR VENUES
Frontier Touring is simultaneously holding music attendance records for all four Melbourne & Olympic Parks venues, after the sold-out RNB Fridays Live show at Hisense Arena last weekend which drew 11,293.
The others are Ed Sheeran who drew 34,296 to AAMI Park (Dec 6, 2015), Justin Timberlake who holds the tally at Rod Laver Arena with 16,183 (Nov 18, 2007) and Disturbed at Margaret Court Arena with 7,133 (Nov 12).
MORE CONCERTS FOR COTTESLOE BEACH?
More concerts could be on the way to Cottesloe Beach in Perth after the sold-out success of the By The C concert – its first live event in over a decade. Over 6,000 fitted into the amphitheatre to hear a bill headed by John Butler Trio and Angus & Julia Stone. Police and council were impressed by the chilled-out nature of the crowd, and only a 39-year-old man was fined $500 for allegedly disorderly conduct and possessing marijuana.
PALAIS BEGINS RENOVATIONS
$20 million worth of long-awaited renovations have begun at the run-down Melbourne Palais, courtesy the Victorian Government and local council. These include upgrades to the theatre’s electrical system, fire protection and hydraulic systems, along with repairs to the theatre’s exterior, which includes repainting it to its 1929 sandstone colour. New seats and air conditioning will come much later.
CINEMA IN PUB
Part of the $2 million renovations of the Tower Hotel in Adelaide’s Magill features a new cinema for 20 kids, which operator Greg Maitland says is part of a strategy to bring more families into the establishment. The kids won’t be charged but patrons who use it for business training events or private sports watching afternoons will be.
GREYHOUND BATTLE STARTS TO SNARL
Melbourne live music fans are up in arms about plans by a developer to level long time venue The Greyhound in St Kilda and put up an eight storey apartments and retail complex. A petition has started on change.org, to be presented to Port Phillip Council’s Planning Meeting on Tuesday December 6 by local business owner and activist Caroline Thurling.
MORE MUSIC VENUES ON THE MARKET
The Riversdale Group – owned by Geoff Dixon, John Singleton and Mark Carnegie – is the latest of hospitality groups and funds to divest its assets. In this case, Riversdale’s 12 properties in Sydney and Brisbane are going.
First on the block are The Marlborough in Newtown and Kinselas in Darlinghurst, both with business up as they are outside the lockout zone.
Other Riversdale joints are Vic In The Park in Marrickville and The Standard Bowl, as well as The Foundry and Elephant & Wheelbarrow in Brisbane.
BOTANIC GARDENS HOSTS INAUGURAL WEEKEND
Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens is hosting the inaugural A Weekend In The Garden at the end of this summer. It is the brainchild of Roundhouse Entertainment, who’re behind the successful winery series A Day On The Green, and setting up so that the eateries are as important. It is held over three days Friday March 10, Saturday March 11 and Sunday March 12. Acts include John Farnham, Icehouse, Daryl Braithwaite, Ross Wilson, Boy & Bear, James Reyne, San Cisco, Clare Bowditch and Amy Shark.
MOFO’S LATE NIGHTCLUB
Hobart’s Dark Mofo will set up a nightclub Faux Mo for after-parties at the disused office building at 12 Murray St. It is earmarked for demolition. It’s an interactive blend of music and visuals, with turntablist Dameza curating the sounds and local artist Jamin the visuals.
WOLFMOTHER FOR FRANKIE’S
Sydney rock and roll hangout Frankie’s is pulling out all stops to celebrate its 4th birthday on December 11. Wolfmother is headlining the bill that includes The Dead Love, Lepers & Crooks and others.
GOLD COAST VENUE HIT BY SCAM
The Arts Centre Gold Coast is warning members to disregard a hoax email that asks them for $140 payment. It is coming from noreply@theartscentregc.com.au.
MACQUARIE LICENSEE ON 37 CHARGES
Former Port Macquarie licensee Adam David Barbuto, 44, was given an 18 month good behaviour bond and a $1500 fine over 37 licensing charges at Port Macquarie Local Court. These took place between September 2015 and November 2016 at The Pier.
He pleaded guilty to a number of charges allowing intoxication. Others included allowing music after 11 pm and drinking on the footpath.
The Pier has ben hit with penalties including a RSA marshall to be in attendance each day, no shots after 8 pm and CCTV cameras to cover all areas of the premises.
NEW LIFE FOR THE TOORMINA
The Toormina in Coffs Harbour has been given a new lease of life by new owners Martin Short and Sean O’Hara. Aside from a new kitchen, the outdoor beer garden, which showcases local bands, will expand its offerings.
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