Following the very infuriating and deeply upsetting announcement that Kings Cross icon World Bar was going under, a very welcome announcement has popped up indicating that the renowned nightlife venue will be reopening this week as Cali Club. Turns out the institution has been saved by hospitality duo Dane Gorrel and Matt Weir, who most recently reopened the equally legendary Club 77 and have made Sydneysiders very happy.
Over the next few months, Gorrel and Weir will be reimaging the space and no doubt stamping their own statement on the beloved building. Until then, interiors will remain untouched and Cali Club will be in full effect as of Wednesday 12th December with the return of longstanding club night “The Wall”, reinstated as a weekly event. Poster Child and iRock Entertainment will also be brought on board to help introduce different nights over the weekend, spanning everything from house and tech to hip hop and afrobeat.
“We need to preserve our nightclub institutions”, said Gorrel. “They have a tremendous impact on Sydney’s culture, and once they go, it’s incredibly hard for them to return. We really want to help keep the candle burning for our city’s night life and continue the venue’s legacy”.
“Night clubs provide a space for artists and DJs to cut their teeth and connect with people through their music”, added Weir, who had one of his first DJ residences at World Bar before going on to start famous Sunday sesh S.A.S.H as well as touring agency Solid Circles. “Going out and listening to music is part of growing up, it helps shape identities and build communities. We want to play a positive role in that part of people’s lives”.
Not making a return, however, will be World Bar’s renowned Tea Pots. Instead, Gorrel and Weir say they have something else planned, in addition to a massive and diverse program of live music to restore the space to it’s former glory.
To keep up to date with Cali Club head on over to their Facebook page.
Image by Joe Cheng.
