Bar Bodega facts for kids
Bar Bodega was a famous music spot in Wellington, New Zealand that closed its doors in 2016. It first opened in 1991 inside an old house. This house was actually going to be torn down by a government agency called Transit New Zealand, which was planning to build a new road nearby. Because the building was only rented for short periods, Bar Bodega looked a bit temporary for a long time.
In 2001, when the road building finally began, Bar Bodega moved to a new place on Ghuznee Street. This new home used to be a factory and warehouse for Nestlé. Years later, in 2014, the original old house was bought by some restaurant owners.
A Special Place for New Zealand Music
Bar Bodega was very important for New Zealand's music scene. It was one of the few places that mostly featured bands from New Zealand who played their own original songs. This helped a lot in growing the unique and creative music culture in Wellington.
Popular Performances
During the 1990s, almost every New Zealand band played at Bar Bodega. The shows were often packed with lots of fans! Many local bands from Wellington had regular performance slots there. Some of these included The Gardening Angels, Letterbox Lambs, Breakfast of Champion, Jahailer, and Let's Planet.
Well-known New Zealand musicians and bands also played there often, like Chris Knox, Martin Phillipps and The Chills, Jean-Paul Sartre Experience, David Kilgour, and The Renderers. Their performances brought many loyal fans to the bar. Even the famous American band The White Stripes played at Bodega during their first visit to New Zealand in 2000.
Bar Bodega will always be remembered as a key part of Wellington's vibrant music history.
