Press Release
Announcing a new venue
BLUE BEAT
open for business
Announcing Blue Beat, the new venue of Christopher Richards and Nicholas Rice.
Anyone familiar with Chris and Nick won’t be surprised that Blue Beat stands for quality music played by superb musicians, in a setting that gives audiences and musicians alike a memorably satisfying experience.
Blue Beat is founded on the same passion for live music that’s been at the heart of Chris and Nick’s previous venues. For those who don’t know, Nick’s history includes entertainment, promotions and venue consultancy, including key Sydney venues Bar Broadway and the Marquee nightclub. Chris is synonymous with The Basement, as manager, co-owner and booker. After nearly four decades he has strong connections with industry from festival directors to sound technicians, and he brings all this to Blue Beat.
“We think Sydney needs, and deserves, a venue that’s of its time, and caters for reasonably discerning audiences, in a way that puts the music centre-stage”, explains Rice. “But you might also just want to call in for a late-night drink or an after-theatre tapas and a place to talk.”
“So the Blue Beat philosophy is about an exciting journey through the world of contemporary music, around which we’ve built a venue that’s unpretentious but has great attention to detail”, says Richards.
The Blue Beat music policy is eclectic, with a common thread of excellence running throughout the multi-faceted program – internationals and the best of Australian artists, playing roots, dance, jazz, world, soul, pop and the unexpected. And on the weekends we pump it up with fresh funk, RnB and soul.
The Blue Beat philosophy is about providing Sydney with a Destination Venue, a bar where you can hang out til late no matter what night of the week, to check out the music or just chill with friends. A venue that can be your local.
Designed for maximum music appreciation, the club’s layout offers views from practically all parts of the venue. A capacity of 440 can be configured to provide a versatile range of seating/standing options. Up to 200 can be seated for dinner-and-show, or we can easily provide a dancefloor/stand-up option.
Want to be part of the action but prefer to hang out away from the music? There are several areas where cosy banquettes provide the option of privacy, still with sight of the stage and in touch with the vibe.
The well-appointed Green Room / VIP bar is equipped with a Steinway grand piano and is available for record launches, product launches and private functions. It can be booked alone or in conjunction with the main room.
Overall the mood is relaxed yet sophisticated. Décor and layout is friendly and inviting, reminiscent of the lived-in vibe of a classic jazz club, updated with a nu-retro feel and a contemporary edge.
Musicians can expect respect the same respect Chris and Nick’s previous venues provided.
Tech specs are custom-tailored, with a combination of a cutting edge digital desk and trusty old technology, including a Steinway piano and fully restored Hammond organ.
Ticketing options include dinner-and-show, table-only and general admission, according to the event and night of the week. Tickets can be booked online, or by phone… you’ll always be able to speak to a real person if you want to discuss the show, seating options, menu choices or anything else.
In-house promotion includes marketing and networking via social media and other info sources.
Blue Beat will open on Friday 11 November 2011, intitially for Thursdays-thru-Sundays while the music program is being booked. Check our website for regular updates.
LOCATION
Blue Beat is in the heart of Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, between the city and the beach, at 16 Cross Street, Double Bay. Naturally drawing on one of Sydney’s key demographics in surrounding suburbs, the club will also appeal to audiences right across town. Well located for easy transport access, with street parking, a nearby carpark and good cab, bus and train options.
There’s a rich history of bars and live entertainment in the Eastern Suburbs, from Kings Cross out to Bondi, and Blue Beat is proud to continue the tradition in arguably the heart of Sydney’s quality nightlife scene.
