Opening four months ago, Rock Central has quickly become the home for all things rock and roll in Bramble Bay and the surrounding Redcliffe area.
Hosting live music every Friday and Saturday, acts to have played at the Bramble Bay Bowls Club venue include Slim Jim Phantom, Dallas Frasca, Tex Perkins’ The Ape and Ganggajang.
Now Rock Central have been announced as the venue for the launch of the US-based International Music Conference when it arrives in Brisbane this November 7-9. Entertainment/ Events Manager Dan Nebe and his team are suitably chuffed about the accomplishment.
Rock Central has been selected to host the launch of the Independent Music Conference in November; quite a coup given the conference takes place at SAE in West End. How did it come about?
After conversations with the Executive Producer of IMC in the US and the fact they were looking for a launch venue. We were chosen based upon our meteoric rise as an independent venue.
For a venue that's not central to the tradition Brisbane entertainment areas, you and your team must be extremely proud of this accomplishment?
Yes to say the least. Our staff and board are very proud of this achievement.
The growth of the space in its first four months... has it been beyond expectations, particularly given the lack of budget/ resources you had at the start?
We had no idea it would grow as quick as it has. We always knew the area needed a dedicated live venue; it has grown faster than we ever imagined.
Industry reaction to Rock Central; are you receiving quite a bit of interest from bands/ booking agents to play?
The industry has embraced us with much gusto; we’re constantly receiving calls from booking agents here in Australia as well as far as the UK.
With the winter months traditionally seeing slower trade, have you witnessed a reversal, with people actively seeking out the venue?
Yes, [and] this does surprise us. We were just looking at surviving through winter, but as you say it a complete 180 to the norm — very inspiring.
Why should inner suburban residents make the trip out to Bramble Bay?
We have many things to offer our guests. Great location and best priced meals and bar on the peninsular.
The next couple of months for Rock Central, who do you have booked?
We have various acts coming including Ash Grunwald, Mental As Anything and Dan England plus many more.
The venue also has a strong association with many charity-based events, right?
We are very focussed on the local coalface community workers and their goals — mostly the homeless. So many acts have signed up for these events. We are always open to hosting any charity events.
Rock Central at the Bramble Bay Bowls Club is located at the corner Hornibrook Esplanade and Victoria Avenue, Woody Point.
