Bar Open announces GoFundMe campaign to keep the beloved venue alive
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30.06.2020

Bar Open announces GoFundMe campaign to keep the beloved venue alive

Words by Tom parker

Another venue is asking for help.

Live music venues are hurting. We recently saw The Tote announce a GoFundMe campaign to keep the venue afloat. We’ve spoken to Bendigo Hotel owner, Guy Palermo, about the difficulties the current crisis has offered him. Melbourne is dead silent and so is the government.

Now, Bar Open has revealed its own GoFundMe to help keep the beloved venue alive. No conversation about Melbourne’s live music scene can be appropriately had without mention of Bar Open, a venue that has provided music lovers with live music six days a week for years since its 1998 institution.

Championing genres across the board, drop into Bar Open and you’ll catch a gig in the front bar or upstairs bandroom exploring everything from rock, funk and punk music to folk, Gypsy, garage, soul and world music. There’s something for everyone here.

Some of the names to have cut their teeth beneath the venue’s iconic bandroom mirror include King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, The Presets, Clare Bowditch, The Bombay Royale, Vulgargrad, Kylie Auldist’s Heavy Earth, Holy Serpent and so many more.

The venue is also home to the world’s longest-running improvised music night in the world, Make It Up Club.

Zvi Belling, revered bass player for the Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, Disasterware and many other bands, says Bar Open was integral for fostering his career. Bowditch echoed his sentiments. “We loved our time at Bar Open,” she said. “And I want you, if you can, to get behind them right now. They support musicians, so if you can, support them.”

Help Bar Open stay alive by donating to their GoFundMe campaign here.     

Read our story on why NSW is currently teaching Victoria a lesson with its support of live music and nightlife culture.

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