CONFESSION, the pop-up bar that was home to the world’s first wheelchair dancefloor, arrived in Port Adelaide and on The Fringe scene back in 2022, and as of today, this fun and fabulous venue that prides itself on inclusivity and accessibility is open permanently to the public on Friday and Saturday nights.
The founder of CONFESSION, Shane Hryhorec, who’s also a charity chairperson and has launched businesses co-able and Push Mobility which both centre on supporting those with disabilities, is proud of the success of CONFESSION and that he can continue to provide the good vibes and fun and friendly atmosphere to the people of Adelaide.
‘The Fringe was a fantastic experience for us, and we had our biggest year in 2023,’ says Shane, ‘but I’m so excited to be able to offer the same CONFESSION experience on a more permanent basis to not just our customers but to the performers as well.’
Whilst the key focus for CONFESSION is all about accessibility, inclusivity and going above and beyond for its customers and performers alike, the venue, which is still located in the same 1850s church in Port Adelaide, has recently gone through a complete overhaul, installing a new bar, upgrading the sound system and creating a green room space for performers so their experience is top notch.
‘We’ve renovated every inch of the place,’ says Shane, ‘and with a new dancefloor, imported porcelain tiles, new walls, and copper basins, taps and handrails throughout, it has a real classy, high-end, speakeasy vibe to it which I’m really excited for everyone to see.’
With the new, bigger sound systems that are designed for crowds of more than 1000 people, CONFESSION is also upping the entertainment ante—with more DJs, more variety of acts, and more bands gracing the stage at the updated venue.
‘We’re one of the only venues in Adelaide that has an accessible stage for performers with disabilities,’ says Shane. ‘We had a guy this year who was in a wheelchair and playing trumpet with the performing band, and he mentioned that he hadn’t been able to perform on stage for 4 years due to not being able to access the stage in his wheelchair. I want to offer more than what’s expected—so people can work and perform and do what they love—because everyone that walks through our doors is important and deserves the same experience as anyone else.’
Just as everything else has had a makeover at CONFESSION, so too has their food and drinks menu, with Juan, the new venue manager, overseeing all the changes that are now on offer. ‘Our food menu is simple, classy and easy to share, so you can sit back and enjoy the entertainment,’ says Juan. ‘It highlights a lot of local produce from SA, including the Adelaide Hills and Barossa regions, and features a lot of small tapas-style dishes and platters designed for sharing.’
The drinks menu again showcases local SA wineries, including Chalk Hill and Hentley Farm, beer from Pirate Life, various high-end spirits and the likes of premium Champagne Bollinger, for all those special occasions and celebrations. ‘There’s also an extensive cocktail list that has been curated by a mixologist who makes cocktails for venues around the world, and he’s helped us design the cocktail menu,’ says Shane.
With the food menu catering to all dietary requirements and a variety of alcohol-free wines and mocktails on offer so that everyone, no matter their preference, can enjoy, CONFESSION really is a place for everybody. ‘Whilst our venue is strictly 18+, it doesn’t matter what gender, race, sexuality, age or interest you have, everyone is welcome, and the vibes are very fluid,’ says Shane.
The goal for Shane and the team at CONFESSION is to provide a great night out to the west side without people having to venture into the city. ‘From 6:30-8 pm, there will be live entertainment, and from 10 pm ‘til late, the “disco night club” vibes will kick in, making it a fun, party atmosphere for everyone to enjoy,’ says Shane.
And whilst there’s a small cover charge, Shane is focused on supporting live entertainment and therefore, 100% of the funds for entry will be going to the performers. ‘This is something I’m really passionate about, and I’ll be sharing an annual report to ensure full transparency of what we get and what goes to performers,’ says Shane.
With a capacity for 150-200 people, doors open at 6 pm, with shows kicking off at 6:30 pm and featuring cabaret, comedy hosts, Fringe acts and live music. From 10 pm- 2 am, the dance floor comes alive with DJs spinning tunes all night long, turning the venue into a nightclub-type atmosphere rather than a drinks/dinner and seated entertainment experience.
Open on Friday and Saturday nights, CONFESSION is the place to be for a night of entertainment and fun, feel-good vibes that are sure to set the bar for a great night out.
Where: CONFESSION, 60 Marryatt St, Port Adelaide, SA 5015
When: Open Fridays and Saturdays, doors open at 6 pm.
Tickets: $15 entry.
More info: Click here.
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