Over the past 3 years the multifaceted KAYA Cafe has become increasingly involved in the progress of the local music and creative scene. The team behind the beloved venue, spearheaded by Brad Farrell and Gina Alpert, is proud to announce the formal launch of Curated by KAYA (C.b.K.). Shifting from a single location to a holistic events system across the city, C.b.K. aims to professionalise the grassroots arts scene through intentional curation and conscientious organizational standards.

KAYA Cafe‘s Open Mic nights and live music gigs have provided a launch pad for a variety of talented up-and-coming artists to get their breakthrough. The team has worked alongside a plethora of incredible local musicians including Luukhanyo, giuliette price, Will Linley, Tessi Nandi, Freddy L, Anica Kiana and Teagan Els alongside many more, from early on in their artistic development. I recently caught up with C.b.K. events director Brad Farrell to discuss the launch of Curated by KAYA and the Long Live series.

Our chat gave me genuine hope for the future of the local live music scene through the artist first philosophy embodied by. When I quizzed him about the ethos that they are hoping to cultivate Brad gave the poignant response, “Regardless of other circumstances, human beings will always find a a metaphorical campfire to gather around and make music.” The importance of creation as a tool for expression and building community is pivotal to C.b.K‘s approach towards event facilitation.

Brad also touched on how the team’s passion for talent development was deepened through curating alongside the iconic Up The Creek Festival, which showed how grassroots energy can be translated to a larger scale event. This experience helped develop their templates from Tech Riders and EPKs to Venue Checklists along with laying the brickwork that now forms Curated By Kaya‘s Event Management Systems.

“Our goal is to create sustainable creative ecosystems,” Brad explains. “We focus on three key stakeholders: providing venues with seamless operational systems, ensuring performers have a professional and supportive working process, and delivering a memorable, dynamic experience for audiences.“

Curated by KAYA is launching it’s debut major external venture with ‘Long Live‘, a monthly music residency at Sergeant Pepper. The series aims to reinvigorate Long Street with the cultural and musical vibrance of its history. The debut activation ‘Long Live: Rock & Roll‘ takes place tonight at Sergeant Pepper and will feature performances from Sophia Frank, Girls On Film and Keanan Eksteen. 

If you are a venue owner, promoter or artist you can access Curated by KAYA‘s systems forms at the following links to streamline your operational setup and ensure the best events possible: Systems for Venues, Curation for Promoters, Bookings for Performers.

Get your tickets for tonight here!