Cambridge Hotel to Close and Final Round of RISE Grants | Music News

In a devastating blow to what remains of Newcastle’s live music scene, arguably the city’s most beloved live music venue The Cambridge is headed for the wrecking ball.

As Newcastle Live reports, the iconic hotel will call last drinks mid-way through next year to make way for student accommodation.

In a situation eerily reminiscent of Sydney’s The Lansdowne, which is set to close and be replaced by hostel accommodation once the current tenants’ lease expires, property developers Linkcity are reportedly planning to convert The Cambridge into a 19-storey student accommodation with 500 rooms, dining and retail outlets and student common areas in a multi-million-dollar development.

The developers say they want to create “a safe sanctuary for young people that may be living away from home for the first time”, and a licensed venue apparently does not align with that goal.

The final round of RISE funds has been allocated, with millions funneled into scores of live projects, including several decisions that will surely raise eyebrows.

Canberra’s $200 million budget for its Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand fund (RISE) breaks off the remaining $20 million for the arts, the bulk of which is injected into the struggling concerts space and the performing arts, including theatre and dance.

Music festivals, crippled by the the trifecta of bushfires, floods and the pandemic, are among the big winners.

Jaddan Comerford’s UNIFIED Music Group is successful with its application for a regional showcase and merchandise pop-up store project featuring performances and goods designed by artists on its roster. The Melbourne-based group receives $480,000.

Also, $600,000 is earmarked for Empire Touring on a national tour of Australian performers visiting 23 locations to “pay tribute to the world’s best,” including The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, John Lennon and David Bowie.

British India land $140,000 to support the indie rockers on a national tour “with a focus on regional towns.”

Also getting a win is Queensland’s Yeehaa Events, which receives $577,500 to present NQ’s Rock’n Country, featuring more than 40 homegrown acts which the organisation is confident will “reboot the industry and the careers of emerging artists.”

Concerts giant Live Nation receives $97,500 to produce the “On Stage” series at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne, part of the group’s vast live entertainment empire.

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Homebrewed is a radio program and podcast dedicated to supporting the Australian Music Industry. Cameron Smith and Eamonn Snow have been presenting Homebrewed since November 2017 and have received excellence awards and the admiration of local bands for their presentation of Homebrewed and their continued support of the Australian music scene. This podcast is designed so you can enjoy conversations with musicians, industry representatives and music media personalities.