10/10/2008 02:49:00
A new live music venue in central
Cardiff hopes to attract bands and artists who currently leave the city off their tour schedules.
The venue, called SUB29, is located in the Millenium Plaza near Millenium Stadium and holds 800 spectators. It's also situated close to public transport options and there are plans for gigs to finish before the last trains and buses depart.
Steve Bines, a SUB29 promoter, said that the closure of the Coal Exchange in Cardiff Bay about a year ago has made it particularly difficult for certain bands to source suitable venues in the
south Wales city. The Coal Exchange was a similar size to the new SUB29.
He told BBC News: "We either have small venues like Clwb Ifor Bach or the 500-capacity Point.
"Then there's a massive gap before we get to the 1500-capacity Great Hall at Cardiff's student union...we're hoping SUB29 will fill that gap."
"Our aim is to finally offer a venue suitable for the tours that continually leave Cardiff off their schedules and by working closely with both local and national promoters, we are confident that we can put Cardiff firmly on the map."
Mr Bines also said he hoped SUB39 would host resident nights and provide support slots.
He said: "We are fully aware of how exciting and vibrant the local music scene is and will ensure that it is well represented in the venue with showcase nights for local labels, unsigned artists and support slots on bigger tours where possible."
SUB29 will open its doors on November 16, with the first night featuring bands from the local label Tantrum Records. Other bands and acts already booked to play at SUB29 include Ben Ottewell, dance group Stanton Warriors and country fusion band Alabama.
