For the past 50 years, UniBar at the University of Adelaide has been pulling pints of Coopers and hosting live original music. Finally, the venue, which now resides on the ground floor of Union House, is being recognised for its immense contribution to live music in South Australia with an induction into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame.
In celebration, UniBar is throwing a mini-festival on Saturday 5 November with a line-up of familiar punk and Aussie-rock faces.
UniBar has had a storied history having hosted thousands of bands, such as Silverchair, Blink 182, Violent Soho, Powderfinger, Parkway Drive, Tash Sultana, Dune Rats, and You Am I just to name a few.
The current custodians have been operating the venue since 2019, following a physical transformation of the space to modernise it and allow increased versatility. UniBar is an independently operated venue and was recognised with a nomination for Best Live Music Venue at the 2021 South Australian Music Awards, having booked over 400 artists since the pandemic decimated the live music industry in March 2020 – more than any venue in South Australia.
To celebrate the induction, UniBar is throwing a two-stage festival that invokes memories of the iconic O’Ball and IndyFest line-ups of the 90s and 00s.
IN THE DAY is a celebration of all things UniBar and while the focus will be on performances from some of UniBar’s favourites, including one-off reformations, there will also be panel discussions on stage with members of the bands and UniBar teams of yore recounting the best ale-drenched tales from back ‘in the day’.
IN THE DAY is the labour-of-love of UniBar’s former head booker, Sacha Sewell (El Dorado Music) and current booker Gareth Lewis. Part proceeds of every ticket will go directly to the SA Music Hall of Fame to support the important work it does in recognising the contribution of SA artists and venues to the Australian music industry.
The massive music line-up for the day is headlined by the almighty (and recent Hall of Fame inductee) The Mark of Cain who will be joined by 28 Days.
Also, on the bill (in alphabetical order) is Andrew P. Street’s Career Girls, Dan & Joel Crannitch (Pharaohs/Leader Cheetah), Dave Johnstone from Ammonia (yes, remember the song ‘Drugs’?), Hottest 100 2001 ‘Home Entertainment System’ hitmakers Lazaro’s Dog, pop-punks Lessie Does and a very special, very rare performance by Snap to Zero. Plus, the incomparable DJ Driller and panel compare David Penberthy.
Current UniBar owner and events booker, Gareth Lewis states:
“Having spent far too much time at UniBar during my own unsuccessful foray into tertiary education in the early 2000s it’s an honour to be accepting the UniBar into the Hall of Fame with such a bloody great gig.”
Former UniBar events booker, Sacha Sewell says music fans have been enjoying the live music venue for years:
“Anyone with any interest in music has seen a gig at UniBar, if they haven’t then they are not a music fan. Booking this classic line-up of UniBar’s favourites has been amazing and the artists can not wait to get on stage for this very special gig.”
Adelaide Music Collective founder and SA Music Hall of Fame chair, Enrico Morena states:
“UniBar is a most worthy inductee into the Hall of Fame for its decades-long involvement in live music. The venue’s commitment to fostering emerging talent and giving a stage to South Australian artists is vital to maintaining Adelaide’s reputation and a UNESCO city of music.”
IN THE DAY will be held across the UniBar and Cloisters at the University of Adelaide on Saturday 5 November 2022.
Tickets are on sale now via Moshtix.
