Cherry Bar Successfully Crowdfunds Its Future

In an absolute triumph for Melbourne music fans today, Cherry Bar’s crowdfunding campaign to refurbish the venue has been successful, as they have reached 114 percent of their goal this afternoon, with 39 days left to spare.

The 200-capacity venue will need a $90,000 overhaul to soundproof the bar and comply with strict noise regulations. Some of the work expected to go into the venue includes double-glazed windows, a new entrance and extra brick walls. Cherry Bar owner James Young asked punters and supporters of live music to help contribute to a third of the cost through a crowdfunding campaign with Pledge Music. Incentives for donors range from stubby holders to lifetime entry and a 'brick' in the wall with your name on it.

"It was tempting, for about three seconds, to leave our 42-day crowdfunding campaign open so that people who wanted to could continue to buy personally named bricks and 'I Saved Rock 'n' Roll' T-shirts and stubby holders to help fund Cherry Bar's sound-proofing works," Young told us. "But we hit our target and the right thing to do was to close down the campaign straight away with a smile on our faces, joy in our hearts and immense gratitude to all the music loving public who have generously contributed just under half the money we need to immediately commence soundproofing works in AC/DC Lane."

The reason for the rebuilding is due to a new apartment block being erected next door. The apartment block will be 12 stories high with 189 apartments inside. If our maths is correct, that is a hell of a lot of potential noise complaints that Cherry could be facing from their new neighbours.

"Crowdfunding has become the new success model for bands — bands who are looking for money to tour, to fund record releases, PR campaigns, recording," Young told ABC AM. "Bands that I'm involved with have successfully implemented these campaigns and been able to achieve things they didn't think they could possibly achieve, based on the generosity of their fans.”

Thankfully the wonderfully giving nature of live music lovers has shown itself once more. Just in time for Soul night this evening, and yes, we’ll be dancing.

Via ABC AM.