EXCLUSIVE: Take A Sneak Peek Inside Adelaide's Newest Live Music Venue

Earlier this week it was announced that beloved SA live music venue Adelaide UniBar would return this month under new management. 

The venue was forced to close last November, with former management stating it would be relaunched by the university at some stage in an unknown capacity. Rebranding to UniBar ADL, we had an exclusive first look at the live music hotspot ahead of its opening on Monday 25 March. 

We also caught up with live music coordinator Aaron Sandow to find out a little bit more.

What does it mean to Adelaide to have the iconic UniBar back? 

"The old Uni Bar was such an integral part of the live music scene in Adelaide. The capacity of the venue meant it sat right in the pocket for medium to large interstate and small to medium international touring acts. For me personally, it was where I saw my first ever gig so to be involved in the reopening is pretty amazing. For the students of the university though, they have their bar back! They have somewhere to solve the worlds problems over a couple pints."

Run us through the changes to UniBar and what this means for punters and bands… 

"The biggest change is the relocation from Level 5 of Union House to Level 2 (essentially ground floor). The new space (previously The Mayo Refectory) opens up to the Cloisters area which is a space we plan to activate holding up to 2,000 people in an outdoor venue. UniBar ADL is a brand new space. A complete refurbishment and renovation of the bar and kitchen area. Plus the outdoor cloisters area. We have also significantly upgraded the sound system with help from our mates at Novatech."

And why the name change? 

"With a new venue we wanted a fresh look. This had to include a new logo and slightly tweaked name. We wanted to maintain the heritage of the Unibar name and brand but give it an updated and fresh spin."

What sort of programming will you be lining up/aiming for? 

"We want the new venue to be open access for all members of the community. We won’t be booking or focussing on any one particular genre of  music. Live music will be a focus of the venue but we will also support a wide range of the arts. Everything from poetry slams to visual arts displays."

What's your ultimate vision for the venue? 

"The vision and the hope is to restore the heritage and weight the UniBar names used to carry in the live music scene of Adelaide and Australia. More locally though, we want the students of The University of Adelaide to embrace the venue day to day as their social heart on campus."

What're your thoughts on Adelaide's live music scene as a whole right now? 

"I think the scene is firing at the moment. There are so many great bands coming up and putting in the hard yards. Venues are becoming more and more focussed on offering live music as a core element of their business which is great. Adelaide has always been a tough market for attendance at shows but i feel that is switching now. The punters are turning up and seeking out new live music. It's a great time to be in the scene and doing what we can to make it better."

Anything else you'd like to add? 

"Ready for bookings. For more information contact unibar@gaentertainment.com.au"

Check out the pics by Georgiekattephotography below!