It’s not often three venue booking jobs come up at the same time in Melbourne rock city, let alone four jobs at some of the best known venues in the city, but that’s precisely what’s happened at popular music hotspots The Tote, Prince Bandroom, and Revolver, as the booking roles in the city undergo a shuffle.
First up, The Tote have announced that Nicci Reid will be taking over live music curatorial reigns from the fabulous Amanda Palmer. Reid brings with her a wealth of experience from previously booking The Empress Hotel and The Workers Club. She’s also a director of the fledging indie music festival Sugar Mountain (which kicks off in less than a week) and the woman behind indie tour promoter Wing & Gill.
“Nicci is very experienced and a widely respected music industry professional with loads of ideas. We are very exited to have her on board”, said the co-owner of the Tote Hotel, Jon Perring, who picked up the venue after the infamous SLAM Rally in 2010 which was sparked in part by the closure of the iconic venue.
“We would also like to take the opportunity to thank Amanda who charted the Tote’s music program through 5 turbulent years including its 30th birthday, its closing, and its reopening. She has done an incredible job,” added Perring.
Hot off the heels of The Tote announcement comes the Prince Bandroom, part of the legendary Prince Of Wales complex, which has seen its fair share of controversy over the past year since gastro pub pioneers The Melbourne Pub Group purchased it from the Van Haandel.“Nicci is very experienced and a widely respected music industry professional with loads of ideas. We are very exited to have her on board.” Jon Perring, The Tote
Local residents and longtime barflys were concerned what the group would do to their local given they are well known for buying rundown pubs and giving them a suburbanite makeover – complete with fussy food and drinks. But their fears quickly evaporated after new owner Julian Gerner expressed his commitment to live music at the site, renovating the band room and even introducing local gigs in the public bar over summer.
Renowned for its eclectic programming at Rocket Bar in Adelaide, Jamie Bennet, took over the reigns of the revamped Prince Bandroom after the sale, but has decided to move on and has been replaced by Shaun Adams, current booker at Ballarat’s Karova Lounge and manager of Yacht Club DJs and Twinsy.
Adams has worked in music for the past 10 years, predominantly in regional Victoria, getting his start touring nationally with Ballarat band Epicure as tour manager and sound engineer.
Through his business, From the Apple Tree, Adams has also organised regional shows such as Wolfmother (Ballarat), Across the Great Divide featuring Powderfinger and silverchair (Ballarat/Bendigo/Mildura), The John Butler Trio (Ballarat), and Powderfinger’s Farewell Tour (Ballarat/Bendigo).
Adams told Tone Deaf that he plans to continue his role at Karova as well as his new duties at the Prince Bandroom.
There’s no official word yet about Bennet’s move, but industry whispers say he’ll be taking up booking duties at Revolver in the next couple of weeks.
