It's about the experience

This is where live music is headed. Or should be.

Music venues need to be more about experiences and art, and less about places to sell alcohol.

One of the things that has to change, though, holding your audience captive. Bands will have to let go of the idea that people will stand and watch an entire set. Sometimes they may wander in, catch a song, and leave. (But hopefully they'll buy a T-shirt on their way out.)

800 Very Unsquare Feet - New York Times: "Free City also functions as a gathering place. ...

“'Surfers will come in and just load their pockets with oranges.' She grinned. 'It’s totally great.'

"...fashion executives ... may even have to ask why the fashion industry has not been able to create a new shopping experience equal in its fun and sense of surprise to that of Whole Foods or Apple, but which is available in 800 square feet in a strip mall in Malibu. ...

"Ms. Garduno paused. 'It’s about the experience. I’m interested in having someone walk out of Free City and having had an experience. That’s what matters. They could buy a cheaper bicycle or T-shirt anywhere.'”

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