Campaign Launched To Save Adelaide Live Venue At Risk Of Closing Its Doors

UPDATE: The fundraising campaign to help save beloved Adelaide venue Jive has smashed its $40,000 target in just 24 hours, with organisers extending its goal to $70,000.

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A new campaign has been launched to save one of Adelaide's most popular live music venues which is at risk of closing its doors for good. 

Like most live music venues around the country, the Hindley Street space has been hit by the ongoing COVID restrictions and owner Tam Boakes says the nine-month closure has taken a serious toll. 

“Along with the rest of the live entertainment and hospitality industry, Jive has had to do everything it can to stay afloat over the last nine months,” Boakes said.

“As a dedicated fit-for-purpose live music venue, I haven’t been able to ‘pivot’ or diversify services to supplement some of our financial shortfalls and all I’ve been in a position to do is budget and managing cash flow to try and see out the pandemic.

“The reality is that, although band bookings and tours are returning for 2021 and we have been in discussion with various funding bodies, unless we find a financial lifeline I’m going to have to further extend on my personal and business loans and eventually I will find myself in a position where I won’t be able to sustain the business.”

In response, those in the Adelaide music community have started the Keep Jive Alive crowdfunding campaign where supporters can purchase a personally engraved tile that will be showcased inside the venue.

Those who donate will also receive exclusive merch and prizes.

Jive Bar has hosted some huge acts over the years including Tame Impala, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Julia Jacklin and DZ Deathrays. 

Earlier this week, Jive was announced as a recipient of the Live Music Australia grant.

To donate, click here.