Dublin’s newest venue – following hard on the heels of The Workman’s Club and The Mercantile – The Grand Social is to launch on September 11 on the top floor of what was Pravda in Dublin 1’s Lower Liffey Street.
“It’s a classic 16ft x 11ft stage similar to Whelan’s – draped and framed in a theatre-style, bar at the opposite end of the room, no pillars or sight obstructions,” reveals head honcho John Brereton. “Tech spec is 10k line array system, 32-channel Yamaha digital desk, a great lighting system of par cans, led’s and movers and a projector and large screen for visuals. Capacity is 150 seated, 250/300 standing.”
As well as staging their own events, The Grand Social is looking to bring in outside promoters and bands wanting to stage their own gigs.
“We’ll be offering hard disc live recording and we’ll have three cameras onsite for DVD recording if desired,” Brereton resumes. “We also have a new ‘niche’ clubroom out the back of the building that will be of interest to DJs and promoters.”
The Grand Social will lead a bit of a double life between September 11 and 27 as it operates under the banner of the Absolut Fringe Factory, which replaces the Spiegeltent. October promises to be just as busy with Hard Working Class Heroes, the Kaleidoscope Fest (classical contemporary) and The Darklight Digital Film Festival all taking up residence there.