Centro CBD celebrated 50 days COVID free in NSW this week by revealing how it used the quiet time for entertainment in 2020 to renovate upstairs and better equip the venue for concerts.
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The completion of work coincides with entertainers eagerly expressing a desire to visit Wollongong and perform again.
The reputation Centro CBD built as a live music venue prior to COVID-19 meant Robert Specogna and Michael Arbelias had no trouble booking a schedule of 35 live shows between now and August.
Mr Specogna said the venue will host an average of two shows a week with the option for people to dine in the concert room prior to the performance or arrive just before entertainers take the stage,.
Acts booked for the coming months include Kate Ceberano, Glenn Shorrock, Jack Jones and Shannon Noll.
The new look stage passed its first test with a Motown show last month that featured four singers, two guitarists, a saxophonist, keyboard player, drummer and bass player all on the stage at the same time.
"It is now all one level and a 10 piece band fits on there very easily," Mr Specogna said.
"The stage needed to be bigger for the larger shows we wanted to do such as Aretha Franklin. Lionel Richie, Rod Stewart and Prince tribute shows.
"They all require room for eight to 10 piece bands.
"We had been looking at the space and wanting to use it more as a venue. We have decided to build up even more of a profile in the entertainment side of things and more performers are eager to come here and play."
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
