Promethean (The): Keith joins in on some "cool sounds" in the Adelaide City region of South Australia

116 Grote Street in the city was built in 1914 as a Seventh Day Adventist Hall. Today, the hymns have given way to a very different kind of beat as the old church hall is now called the Promethean. The name hangs on from its recent life as a performing arts centre and, given the Mythical Prometheus came to represent the creative spirit, it fits in very nicely with what's happening now.

If 'cool' is 'in' then this is the place to be if you want good live music in a sophisticated intimate venue Thursday to Sundays.

The 'Prom', as it's called, is the dream of a group of investors who have ploughed more than a million dollars into the place… including a ritzy but relaxed décor, top sound system and of course, a seven foot grand piano…

Why? Well, they're after a long-term capital gain of course, but in the short term it's SA music's gain!

"It's our commitment to the long term development of the Promethean as a music venue," according to manager, Richard Ortner. "We wanted to show that we're quite serious about putting on quality music."

Richard describes himself as the 'token roadie' for the old hall as it embraces the latest in a long list of tenants. It was once the headquarters for the liquor trades union, the musicians' union and even the plasterers union. Even the communist party held its Sunday night lectures here in the 1940s! The old theatre seats scattered around are a reminder of its not so glamorous days as an X-rated cinema.

Like the music, the Prom's latest subtle makeover means the neo-Gothic revivalist building simply oozes contemporary style and charm. Rich colours and plush velvet furnishings sit easily under the arched windows as they reach skywards to the original pressed metal ceiling and of course, heaven above.

There's a touch of funky modern every now and then too - like the lime green polymer resin illuminated bar. "The best way to think of the bar is to think of a surfboard without the foam and without the fibre in the fibreglass," said Richard. "We've back lit it with about 50 fluoro lights and that's what gives it the glowing effect."

With classic, jazz, big bands, soul and blues acts already booked the plan is not to limit it to any one music style.

The Promethean is at 116 Grote Street in the city. It's open Thursday to Saturday from 8pm and Sundays from 2 til 10.

Published 14th October 2007