Dux Live Bringing The Music Back To Christchurch

It became one of the potent symbols of what the city had lost in the earthquakes, when the Dux de Lux – one of Christchurch’s best recognised bar and restaurant establishments – was forced to close after the 22nd February earthquake.

Ten months on and the team behind the Dux is back in a new incarnation and with a determination to bring the music, food and entertainment it is renowned for back to central Christchurch.

Dux Live general manager Ross Herrick says the new venue has many of the original elements that made the Dux de Lux so popular, with a new focus that combines casual indoor and outdoor dining, a relaxed lounge-style meeting place, and a late night music venue.

“Dux Live is a totally new concept – but many of the fans of the original Dux de Lux will find a lot that’s familiar,” says Ross Herrick.

“If you’ve been missing our award-winning brewery beers on tap, our famous pizzas, nachos and chips, or just having a place to meet with that friendly Dux atmosphere – you’ll find all that at Dux Live.”

However, the difference in the new Lincoln Road venue, according to Mr Herrick, is the opportunity the team has had to design and fit-out a music-friendly venue.

“The Dux has been a mainstay of the local music scene for decades, with many recognised local acts, including Anika Moa, The Feelers, and Salmonella Dub, making their start in the industry with regular gigs at the Dux de Lux,” says Ross Herrick.

“Dux Live has been carefully designed and built – with everything from acoustic wall and ceiling linings to a new digital sound system – to deliver a great sound for music fans.”

Ross Herrick says the quality of the venue’s acoustics also makes it ideal for live recordings and live-to-air broadcasts – something the local student radio network is interested in.

“The size of the venue and standard of the set up has also meant we will be able to attract bigger acts, such as the Henry Rollins Spoken Word Tour, which we’ll be hosting soon.”

“Having a late licence until 3am also means we’ll be able to host DJs and other acts that appeal more to a club crowd – although the gigs we book will still reflect a broad cross section of original New Zealand and international music.”

“And while those larger events will require a cover charge, we’re continuing our commitment to making as many live music events as possible available for free.”

Although the Dux Live has been built with music in mind, says Ross Herrick, it's the many other aspects of the new venue that new and returning Dux regulars have found appealing.

“This area between Addington and the city has seen rapid growth since the earthquakes, with more and more businesses congregating between Lincoln and Blenheim Road. So demand for lunch – or even just a casual meeting over coffee in our courtyard – has been strong.”

“And as a place to meet after work or on the weekend, both the courtyard and the upstairs lounge offer that familiar friendly Dux atmosphere Christchurch people love.”

Mr Herrick says the Dux Live menu also reflects the best traditions established by the Dux de Lux restaurant, with some new additions destined to become ‘Dux legends’.

“The pizzas, nachos, salt and pepper squid and buffalo chips that were always so popular have made a welcome return to Dux Live. But the kitchen team have also spent time developing some new additions, including the Yakatori menu – Japanese-inspired meats and vegetables, skewered and grilled over a bed of bincho-tan charcoal.”

Mr Herrick says despite the challenges faced in the last year, owner Richard Sinke and the whole Dux Live team are pleased to be open in time for summer.

And although Dux Live reflects many of the best elements of the original Dux de Lux, Mr Herrick says the bar isn’t a replacement for the Arts Centre venue.

“We are still very committed to getting back to the Dux de Lux, and the Arts Centre Board and management have affirmed that there will always be a place for us in a rebuilt Arts Centre.”

“Dux Live, too, isn’t a temporary bar – we plan to continue this operation here after we reopen the Dux de Lux.”

Ross Herrick says Richard Sinke is also currently planning other extensions to the Dux family, with a restaurant and brewery outlet both being developed at the moment.

“The Christchurch community – and Dux fans from around the country and the world – have been fantastic in supporting us through the years, and particularly vocal in their support since the Dux de Lux was forced to close.”

“For the whole team, its been great to get back to doing what we love – providing great food, entertainment and local music to our community.”

ENDS

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