And while Sound Academy was becoming an iconic Toronto venue on the back of its programming , it had earned a reputation within insider circles for its less-than-ideal acoustics and providing an experience that , while faithful to similar cavernous rock clubs , was far from extraordinary . Well , that ’ s all changed now …

Since its inception in 1982 , Toronto-based INK Entertainment has become one of Canada ’ s leading lifestyle and entertainment companies . INK ’ s properties include restaurant brands such as Byblos and Weslodge , major music events like VELD – Toronto ’ s

largest music festival – and several wellknown nightclubs in and around the city ’ s downtown core .

Founded and led by Charles Khabouth , who has consistently been named one of the “ most influential Torontonians ” by the city ’ s bastion of taste , Toronto Life magazine , INK Entertainment ’ s offerings routinely push the envelope in terms of offering its patrons a truly unique experience . Fortunately for late-night fun seekers throughout the GTA , REBEL Nightclub is no exception .

The message to anyone who might feel a bit reluctant to drag their asses off of the couch , or leave the comfort of the familiar scene in the Entertainment District : Go east . Now . ( Or , you know , next Saturday .)

The latest iteration of what was formerly Sound Academy , the revamped and reloaded REBEL Entertainment Complex is truly an upgrade that has to be experienced to be believed .

PHOTO : COURTESY OF INK ENTERTAINMENT

“ INK Entertainment became involved with the property five years ago ,” Khabouth begins about INK ’ s involvement in the revamped Polson Pier complex . “ I was attracted to the venue because of the extraordinary views of Toronto and also because of the capacity of both the indoor and outdoor spaces .”

The potential he recognized in the venue for everything from a one-of-a-kind club experience to live concerts and other performances to corporate events and galas was a significant factor informing INK ’ s eventual acquisition of the property .

At the outset of the overhaul , INK tapped Pickering , ON-based production technologies provider Apex Sound & Light for the design and installation of the audio , lighting , and visual systems inhabiting REBEL , owing to a longstanding and successful relationship between the two firms .

“ I ’ ve been working with Apex for 20 years , and for this particular venue , I challenged them to develop a unique and adaptable lighting and video system that would work for corporate events , concerts , and club nights without having to bring in additional equipment to support the different styles of events ,” Khabouth says . What they delivered is that and a lot more . Apex was engaged for the project about two years ago , following the announcement that one of INK ’ s other properties , The Guvernment , had been sold and the site repurposed for condominium development . Subsequently , INK acquired the Sound Academy and set out to replicate the capabilities of The Guvernment / Kool Haus in one room , while bringing the overall experience into a new era with lavish appointments and state-ofthe-art technologies .

“ Charles ’ idea was to make sure the venue was over the top – that the attraction was the venue itself ,” says Themmy Papas , Apex VP and the designer of the lighting and video systems now inhabiting REBEL .

Papas also worked on the AV system for Cabana Pool Bar , a luxury day club on the Polson Pier site offering multiple services similar to a Vegas-style resort , and the ultra-lavish Noir lounge within REBEL proper ; however , it was clear in the initial mandate that the crown jewel of the Polson Pier complex would be REBEL .

The new design , says Apex President Graham Northam , required a complete reimagining of the facility and its systems . The result is a venue with proper acoustic considerations , a completely revamped sound system largely based on premium d & b audiotechnik products , and boasting a custom lighting and visuals system designed to awe patrons and serve in any application for which the club is – and will be – used .

PROFESSIONAL LIGHTING & PRODUCTION • 23