Dunedin music venue seeking benefactors

Dunedin bohemian musical hub Dog With Two Tails is relying on a financial boost from people with happy memories of the venue to keep it viable long enough for a post-Covid-19 party.

The Moray Pl cafe and bar has signed up for a Boosted fundraising campaign and is part of the nationwide Save Our Venues drive.

Dog With Two Tails’ adjoining space, called Bark!, was used for intimate concerts, poetry, quizzes and open mic nights.

Owner Michael Wilson said the site was developing nicely as a live music venue when the Covid-19 crisis halted its activities.

Signing up to the Government’s wage subsidy scheme allowed the business to keep staff on 87% their normal wages during Level 4.

Dog With Two Tails has signed up to a Booster fundraising drive to help keep the Dunedin cafe,...
Dog With Two Tails has signed up to a Booster fundraising drive to help keep the Dunedin cafe, bar and music venue afloat. Owner Michael Wilson has also used the lockdown period to renovate. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH
But, with outgoings such as rent and insurance, more was needed to offset losses.

"It is very tight, financially," Mr Wilson said.

The cafe would be open for takeaways next week.

The Government also signalled yesterday that close-quarter gatherings were some way off yet.

"Save Our Venues recognised that live music was in danger," Mr Wilson said.

The campaign would help "tide us over" until an envisaged party for "Victory Over Covid Day".

The drive had a target of $15,000. As of last night, 25 donors had collectively contributed $2550.

The lockdown created a chance for the business to renovate. As part of that, Mr Wilson started creating the Number 8 distillery, which earned its name through the ingenuity required to get such work done during lockdown.

Entertainer Harriet Moir said it was imperative for
the city to have a range of venues.

"Smaller venues are often exciting and experimental," she said.

"A real connection happens with your audience, because it’s so intimate.

"That’s where the magic happens."

 - Grant Miller 

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