Located below ground level at 34, Riebeek Street in the city bowl, the venue is built on the site of one of Cape Town's most legendary alternative music venues from back the early 1990s: Arties Underground (thereafter known as The Playground!).
Fourteen months in its construction, the underground cavern that houses the uniquely furnished upmarket rock bar and alternative night club is steeped in the very history of antique Cape Town (the walls and original timber beams lovingly preserved and restored are alone over 250 years old). The very spirit of non-conformist rock anarchy seeps through the brickwork.
Entering the venue from the street level, you imagine the spirit of Joey Ramone (The Ramones) guiding you down the flight of stairs into a magical time and place where the mundane and the average are checked at the door. The club's post-industrial décor sets the tone. Quality sound and lighting, a dedicated whiskey bar, full air-conditioning, ample seating, cigar lounge, unseen decor and second non-smoking bar area are just some of the finer details that will go towards ensuring patrons a night of musical entertainment unlike any other in the Mother City.
Over on the black-and-white chequered dancefloor (a trademark of Shayne Leith's many successful night clubs in Joburg and Cape Town since the 1970s), the Underworld music policy offers 100% authentic rock 'n roll from the 1970s, 80s and 90s, mostly to be played off vinyl records on the "Rolls Royce" of sound set-ups, incorporating a JBL sound system custom designed for the venue by Wild and Marr. A hand-picked roster of DJs, not least a few of whom lived through those decades of music being played and who have DJd at the cream of alternative music venues and festivals both locally and abroad, will ensure that the strict music policy of "only the finest rock 'n roll" is adhered to at all times.
In keeping with the Decodance tradition, the venue will also host monthly theme parties where patrons will be encouraged to dress up in an effort to bring back another bygone era when party-goers made a concerted effort towards dressing up as part of the fun on a night out.
The venue is also set up to host live bands of top local and international standard, where live music nights will be very special, one-off occasions (so watch the press and social media for details.)
Venue manager Jay (Detroit) brings forth a lifelong career having managed and run night clubs and bars across the mainland US; from Detroit to Las Vegas, Miami to Washington DC his experience in running successful night clubs and bespoke bars ensures patrons a safe, clean, and happy environment in which to relive the best eras of alternative music culture.
Underworld is open every Friday and Saturday night from 8pm until 2am. Strictly no under-22's allowed and R.O.A.R.
Underworld opens to the public on Friday, 23 and Saturday, 24 August. Free entrance on the opening weekend is available by limited guest list until 10pm (thereafter door fee applies); SMS your name and guest names to +27 (0)76 581 7479.
Go to www.decounderworld.co.za for all the venue details and join the Facebook group and Twitter feed (Decodance Underworld) for updates.
