A NEW live music venue will host laneway performances in the Bendigo CBD until it fully opens early next year.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Piano Bar has taken over the old MusicMan MegaStore at the corner of Williamson and Hargreaves streets and will open its doors on Friday.
Part-owner Aaron Skinner said it was exciting step after the team signed a lease for the space in February.
More news
"(It) was bad timing for us," Mr Skinner said. "We had just started on some of the internal works and COVID hit. Everything for us was put on hold.
"Realistically, we are not looking to open until early next year but with the outdoor uses councils have agreed on statewide, it is a godsend to be able to open a temporary bar and put out very little capital."
Mr Skinner said surrounding businesses and people had already been very welcoming when the Piano Bar team suggested laneway performances.
"It was thanks to the businesses that surround us who all agreed with the idea with no hesitation," he said.
"We will be able to provide really cool live entertainment in the laneway for a couple of months. As restrictions ease and live music can be inside, we will open as planned."
Piano Bar already has locations in Geelong and Colac and will also open a Ballarat venue soon.
Mr Skinner said the Piano Bar team chose Bendigo because of its entertainment scene.
"We chose Bendigo basically because we know it has a great arts and theatre scene," he said. "We're very excited to be joining that."
Piano Bar's first shows this weekend will feature two accomplished Bendigo singers.
"(This weekend is) a preview of what we will be," Mr Skinner said. "Our other owner Andy Pobjoy will be on piano and local singers Bec O'Sullivan and Emma Black will perform."
Piano Bar also has plans to host request nights, guest shows and bands and a mix of other performances including drag queens.