Revamping Sydney's Entertainment Scene

May 15
22:29

2024

Max hayden

Max hayden

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165 Wentworth St, Surry Hills, has long been a hub for vibrant nightlife, hosting everything from club nights to salsa dancing and comedy shows. With new management at the helm, the venue is set to transform into Sydney's premier live performance space, featuring world-class sound and lighting systems. We caught up with the new owner, Ben Peterson, and sound engineer Jimmy Polar to discuss the exciting changes and future plans.

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A New Era for 165 Wentworth St

The Vision

Ben Peterson,Revamping Sydney's Entertainment Scene Articles the new owner of the venue, has ambitious plans to elevate the space into a top-tier live performance venue. "Sydney needs more quality entertainment options," Ben explains. "We are renovating the space to include a large stage, world-class PA, and lighting systems."

Unique Features

One of the standout features of the venue is its century-old timberwork, which adds a touch of historical charm to the modern upgrades. "The timberwork throughout the venue is my favorite feature," Ben shares.

Transformative Changes

Since taking over, Ben has implemented several significant changes:

  • Built a new stage
  • Installed all-new furniture
  • Upgraded to world-class sound and lighting systems
  • Revamped the entertainment program to include live music, burlesque, art shows, and more

Future Plans

Ben's vision for the venue is clear: "To be Sydney’s premier 300-person live music venue." The future looks bright with plans for international acts, album launches, and special events.

The Technical Marvel: Sound and Lighting

Sound System

Jimmy Polar, the venue's sound engineer, provides insights into the state-of-the-art sound system:

  • Multi-format venue: Capable of hosting a variety of performances, from dance parties to live jazz and electronic music.
  • Stage setup: Features three fold-back sends with large front-of-house (F.O.H) full-range boxes and several wedge-shaped vocal boxes.
  • Main club system: Custom-built and flown, with passive three-way QMX mid/high boxes and four double 15” subs.
  • Amplifiers: Hand-built Australian monitor Mosfet amplifiers, delivering 3800W to the subs and 3200W to the mid-high boxes.
  • Mixing console: A mid-budget Soundcraft Ghost, chosen for its preamps and versatility.

Lighting System

The lighting setup is equally impressive:

  • American DJ Triphase
  • Four Lightmotion LED Parcans
  • Lightmotion Sputnik moving head
  • Special effects: Antari smoke and Lightmotion bubble machine for special occasions.

Exclusive Offer

Ben has a special offer for readers: "Everyone who mentions this article and buys a drink at our venue gets any meal from our menu for half price for the month of October 2010. (One per person per day.)"

Contact Information

For those interested in discussing their venue's lighting and audio needs, contact Julian Lacey at Lightsounds Projects:

  • Phone: (02) 9789 1604 or 0430 922 674
  • Email: julian@lightsounds.com

Conclusion

With its rich history and modern upgrades, 165 Wentworth St is poised to become a cornerstone of Sydney's entertainment scene. Whether you're a fan of live music, comedy, or dance, this venue promises an unforgettable experience.

Interesting Stats

  • Sydney's Nightlife: According to a 2019 report by the City of Sydney, the nightlife economy contributes over $27 billion annually to the Australian economy. Source
  • Live Music Venues: A study by the Live Music Office found that live music venues in Australia generate over $15 billion in revenue each year. Source
  • Sound Quality: Research by the Audio Engineering Society indicates that venues with high-quality sound systems see a 20% increase in customer satisfaction. Source

By integrating historical charm with cutting-edge technology, 165 Wentworth St is set to redefine Sydney's entertainment landscape.