Courtesy: Space Academy
The good folk at Space Academy are testing out the idea of running all ages (no booze) matinee shows for touring bands before their evening slots and giving young bands the opportunity to play the opening set.
According to co-owner of Space Academy, Richard Barnacle, it’s all about opening the space up to provide new opportunities for youth to participate in quality shows – both in the audience and on the stage.
“It’s not something we’ve been able to accommodate particularly well in the past,” explains Richard. “But we have a new format and support from the Creative Communities scheme, and so this will allow us to open up all ages shows of top-quality acts for those audiences.”
Those audiences are the under 18s – who are not currently well served for spaces in which to watch bands or indeed play onstage.
“Mostly these young bands are playing house parties and things like that. We see our job to host high quality shows and bring all our experience – including sound, lights, the whole thing, to this audience.”
The shows will look like ordinary shows- but will run earlier. So, the music will start at 5.30pm and be wrapped up by 7.30pm, to allow touring acts and featured bands to complete their soundcheck before performing later in the evening.
The pilot show is next Wednesday 15th Jan with the excellent and very fun San Diego three piece The Schizophonics w/ Rat Cry in support. Doors open at 5pm with the show all done before 7pm.
“It’s a great opportunity for everyone,” says Richard. “Great for the young bands to be able to take to the stage with established older bands and great for young audiences too. This is a new world for us at Space Academy and we’re learning as we go. It feeLs to us like a no-brainer but we’ll see if the people agree!”
Don’t miss the inaugural gig – Wednesday 15 January at Space Academy. Doors open at 5PM.
Tickets from Undertheradar.co.nz