CONFESSION, a beloved live entertainment venue and basement bar nightclub in the heart of Port Adelaide, has announced its impending closure, marking the end of an era for its weekly offerings.
The pop-up bar, which was home to the world’s first wheelchair dance floor, arrived in Port Adelaide and on The Fringe stage in 2022 and in September last year opened permanently to the public on Friday and Saturday nights.
Before opening to the public, the venue, which has been run down by a church since 1850, underwent a complete renovation, installing a new bar, upgrading the sound system and creating a green room for performers so that their experience is top-notch. Their main focus for CONFESSION was accessibility, inclusion and transcendence for both clients and contractors.
Citing insurmountable challenges, CONFESSION expresses concern for the wider hospitality industry, not just in Port Adelaide, but in Adelaide as a whole.
CONFESSION’s owner and head facilitator, Shane Hryhorec, reflects on the closure with a heavy heart, expressing solidarity with the performers and staff who will be affected by this turn of events.
“I am deeply concerned about all the contractors and staff who will be out of a job due to this situation,” says Grigorec. “My heart especially goes out to those band members and performers with disabilities who face a significant challenge in finding alternative employment due to the shortage of accessible places in Adelaide.”
Grigorec says there is a lack of support and funding from local, state and federal governments as a critical issue that exacerbates the plight of businesses like CONFESSION.
“We are in an economic crisis and business is crying out for support,” he notes. “Our pleas went unanswered. We hope to resurrect CONFESSION when we see the economy improve and when governments listen, whenever that may be.”
Hryhorec notes the recent announcement of an increase in alcohol taxes as one of the challenges facing hospitality venues like CONFESSION, dealing a heavy blow to what was once considered South Australia’s most inclusive and affordable nightlife destination.
However, the state government recently announced “See It LIVE” grant for live music venues like COFESIONS (offering $850,000 spread across twenty live music venues) aims to help.
To enhance the success of the project, the Office of Music Development and the Office of Small and Family Business are partnering to offer free business consulting services to funding recipients like CONFESSION. This initiative comes as part of the government’s $14 million small business strategy and aims to help small business owners manage and grow their businesses effectively.
But Grigorec says there is still a significant coverage gap in terms of operating costs.
Although CONFESSION will end its Friday and Saturday night offering, the venue will remain available for private functions and events throughout the venue. Interested parties are encouraged to contact for further details.
Hyrhorec remains committed to the future reopening of CONFESSION, with the future reopening of CONFESSION, looking forward to a brighter economy. Noting that inflation is beginning to stabilize, he underscores the continued need for significant economic improvement.
The doors will open for the last time on Saturday 13 April 2024.
For private events and functions, just send an email [email protected] or send
message us on the CONFESSION page on Facebook or Instagram.
