Princeton Club: Ron enjoys some 60's history in the Adelaide City region of South Australia

Nothing captures the frenzy of sixties rock'n'roll in Adelaide more than the visit by The Beatles in 1964. It's said that a third of the State's population crammed the streets from the airport to the Town Hall to catch a glimpse of the famous moptops.

One who got closer than most was young Adelaide entrepreneur, Ron Tremaine. Along with young 5AD announcer named Bob Frances were instrumental in convincing The Beatles to re-arrange their tour schedule to include a series of concerts in Adelaide.

While that was a high point in Ron's career, he and another young entrepreneur, John Ferrier also cut their teeth as young impresarios on the Adelaide club scene. They attracted singers like Judy Stone, Bev Harrell and BIll Thorpe to a very popular eastern suburbs venue called The Princeton Club.

Ron Tremaine: "We were cunning. We tried to avoid problems so we went to the Burnside Town Hall. We let it be known subtly that only college people could get in and you had to have short hair, white jackets and all that. We ended up getting a ninety nine percent college operation. No fights, no dramas, it was beautiful."

It was also the place to be and to be seen with no doubt a romantic assignation or two in the cosy alcoves that surround the ballroom's dance floor. It's 39 years since an assortment of bands were last seen strutting their stuff on the Princeton Club's stage but that's all about to change. On Saturday, May 24th they are bringing the ballroom in the old Burnside Town Hall back to life.

The music at The Princeton Club was the day-to-day playlist on local radio station 5AD; the city's most popular radio station at the time. It too - like the Club itself - is now defunct but for one-night patrons will travel back in time to a very different era. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au

The Princeton Club
Sat 24 May 2008
Burnside Town Hall
Bookings Ph 8366 4200

Published 18th May 2008