Biography
C1 Espresso’s original High Street location was one of the more music-friendly cafes in 1990s Christchurch. During the decade leading up to the Canterbury earthquakes, C1 played a substantial part in the local independent music scene — hosting live performances in their ample back space, giving window space to gig posters, and maintaining a close connection with RDU, which was then Christchurch’s student radio station.
At one point RDU operated a studio from the C1 premises, which allowed a handful of bands to perform live-to-air from the cafe — including an early live performance by the Shocking Pinks.
Details
Also known as: –
Location: 150 High Street, Central Christchurch
Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Current Status: Demolished (original 150 High Street location, post-earthquake). Reopened 2012 at Corner High & Tuam Streets — currently running.
Active as a live music venue: 1996 – 2011
History
- 1996: C1 Espresso opens at 150 High Street.
- 1990s–2000s: RDU studio installed on-site; live-to-air performances hosted from the cafe.
- 2011: Damaged in the Christchurch earthquakes, eventually demolished.
- 2012: New C1 Espresso opens at 185 High Street in the former Alice in Videoland site.