Some good information on how a small (but wealthy) ski town was able to build a state-of-the-art performance center.
Jackson Hole Guide News & Guide, 2/28/07 - Jackson Hole center for the arts opens: "Off Square Theatre Company, one of the Center for the Arts’ 17 resident organizations, will rent the pavilion’s rehearsal hall, adjacent to the lobby, as its own space for classes, auditions, rehearsals and more. It currently pays $16,000 a year for its offices in the Arts and Education Pavilion, and will pay $15,000 a year for the rehearsal hall. Charges for nonprofit use of the Center Theater for ticketed events amount to $500 a night for rehearsals and technical run-throughs and $1,000 a night for performances. The center charges slightly more for non-ticketed events as it will lose revenue if not handling ticket sales, for which it charges a 10 percent surcharge. For ticketed events, the facility provides box office and marketing services, concessions and ushers.
Commercial renters of the Center Theater will pay $2,500 a night. ...
The Center for the Arts’ capital campaign to raise $35 million completely paid for the Arts and Education Pavilion and for the design, engineering, construction and equipment in the Performing Arts Pavilion – 'everything down to the piano,' Berry said proudly of the newly acquired 9-foot Steinway grand. ...
The Center for the Arts’ project started as an ad hoc collection of Jackson Hole arts organizations in 1991. Following several years of feasibility studies, the center incorporated in 1995 and embarked on the design and fundraising process. A dedicated board and staff were assembled and, through a public/private partnership, the center was funded by its $35 million, seven-year private capital campaign. In total, the Center for the Arts encompasses 15 studios, 21 administrative offices, three classrooms, three conference rooms, two galleries, five outdoor public spaces, two lobbies, six theater support rooms, one darkroom lab and one theater."
economic development
creative class
third places
Jackson Hole
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
High school nights at local clubs
An article about a group of promoters who host events at clubs for high school age students in the Bethesda and DC areas.
blackandwhiteonline.net, 2/12/07 - Can I borrow your club? Local venues host teenager nights
all ages
clubs
DC
blackandwhiteonline.net, 2/12/07 - Can I borrow your club? Local venues host teenager nights
all ages
clubs
DC
Bringing younger audiences to the arts
This article has a number of excellent ideas about how to reach young adults.
Arts groups creating ways to lure young audiences - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 2/25/07
Here are some of the ideas mentioned:
1. Gallery crawls, which are pitched to 20-to-40-year -olds and offer hors d'oeuvres and music in addition to art.
2. Making sure people know you don't have to dress up to attend the theater and classical music concerts.
3. Bringing in young professionals as volunteers to help various arts organizations.
4. Offering affordable tickets.
5. Combining theater events with a pre-show cocktail party.
6. Promoting events via email, websites, radio, and word-of-mouth, not just through more traditional methods like newspapers, billboards, and posters.
creative class
classical music
Pittsburgh
Arts groups creating ways to lure young audiences - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 2/25/07
Here are some of the ideas mentioned:
1. Gallery crawls, which are pitched to 20-to-40-year -olds and offer hors d'oeuvres and music in addition to art.
2. Making sure people know you don't have to dress up to attend the theater and classical music concerts.
3. Bringing in young professionals as volunteers to help various arts organizations.
4. Offering affordable tickets.
5. Combining theater events with a pre-show cocktail party.
6. Promoting events via email, websites, radio, and word-of-mouth, not just through more traditional methods like newspapers, billboards, and posters.
creative class
classical music
Pittsburgh
A festival showcasing Brooklyn music
Brooklyn Brings The Beat - February 16, 2007 - The New York Sun: "Brooklyn Academy of Music is adopting as its presents its first borough-wide music festival, Brooklyn Next.
The festival features performances by either Brooklyn-born or based artists during the next two weeks, ...14 venues across the borough will feature showcases by local artists, including indie rock acts like the French Kicks and Les Sans Culottes, the afro-jazz group the Arturo O'Farill Quartet, and a 75th birthday bash for the late Johnny Cash presented by Brooklyn Country Music...
[The executive producer of BAM, Joseph Melillo] decided that BAM needed to chase after a bigger goal, namely surveying the wider music spectrum in Brooklyn beyond R&B. "I started to do my own research of the music scene in Brooklyn, and I felt we could, with integrity, create a multiple-year musical initiative that celebrated the amazing spectrum of music that can be found in Brooklyn," he said.
Almost immediately, Mr. Melillo thought to take an unorthodox approach to organizing the festival: Typically, organizers decide the artist lineup of large-scale music festivals. But Mr. Melillo opted to hire an independent producer, Chris Wangro, to contact venues throughout the borough, who then decided what local artists to book for the festival. "Once we agreed that our attack would be not to re cruit artists [but spaces], it was a major decision," Mr. Wangro said. "We as the creators of the festival are not curatorial. We decided to say to the booking guys, it's your venue, it's your community, it's what are you bringing to the table."
Brooklyn
music festival
live music
clubs
The festival features performances by either Brooklyn-born or based artists during the next two weeks, ...14 venues across the borough will feature showcases by local artists, including indie rock acts like the French Kicks and Les Sans Culottes, the afro-jazz group the Arturo O'Farill Quartet, and a 75th birthday bash for the late Johnny Cash presented by Brooklyn Country Music...
[The executive producer of BAM, Joseph Melillo] decided that BAM needed to chase after a bigger goal, namely surveying the wider music spectrum in Brooklyn beyond R&B. "I started to do my own research of the music scene in Brooklyn, and I felt we could, with integrity, create a multiple-year musical initiative that celebrated the amazing spectrum of music that can be found in Brooklyn," he said.
Almost immediately, Mr. Melillo thought to take an unorthodox approach to organizing the festival: Typically, organizers decide the artist lineup of large-scale music festivals. But Mr. Melillo opted to hire an independent producer, Chris Wangro, to contact venues throughout the borough, who then decided what local artists to book for the festival. "Once we agreed that our attack would be not to re cruit artists [but spaces], it was a major decision," Mr. Wangro said. "We as the creators of the festival are not curatorial. We decided to say to the booking guys, it's your venue, it's your community, it's what are you bringing to the table."
Brooklyn
music festival
live music
clubs
Family friendly venues may be the future of live music
Just as megachurches have expanded beyond church services. Rocketown is leading the way toward family entertainment. What makes this an interesting business model is that it isn't tied to a particular demonination, which may make the concept more inviting than venues located at specific churches.
STLtoday.com, 2/24/07 - Old mall to house Christian music club: "The 40,000-square-foot entertainment center has an indoor skate park, coffee bar and three stages. It is the brainchild of Christian music star Michael W. Smith.
Since opening in downtown Nashville about four years ago, Rocketown has attracted 100,000 to 125,000 visitors each year, development director Audra Davis said. Although the club's target age group is 12- to 20-year-olds, the venue hosts shows for all ages that are smoke- and alcohol-free, she said.
At first, Rocketown had a difficult time attracting bands because some groups feared they wouldn't sell as many tickets with smoking and alcohol restrictions, Davis said. But after booking a few big names for successful concerts, the venue and its staff built a good reputation with musicians, she said.
Now, Rocketown staffers enjoy lending their knowledge and experience as their venue becomes a model to developers such as the Atkinsons.
Davis said: 'We've had, literally, hundreds of folks contact us who wanted to do something similar in their community. It's been fun to share our experience and kind of create a network of organizations trying to do this and make an impact for teens. For adults, I think it's great that there's a place where you don't have to worry about drunk folks being around while you are trying to enjoy a concert.'"
third places
church
Nashville
all ages
live music
clubs
STLtoday.com, 2/24/07 - Old mall to house Christian music club: "The 40,000-square-foot entertainment center has an indoor skate park, coffee bar and three stages. It is the brainchild of Christian music star Michael W. Smith.
Since opening in downtown Nashville about four years ago, Rocketown has attracted 100,000 to 125,000 visitors each year, development director Audra Davis said. Although the club's target age group is 12- to 20-year-olds, the venue hosts shows for all ages that are smoke- and alcohol-free, she said.
At first, Rocketown had a difficult time attracting bands because some groups feared they wouldn't sell as many tickets with smoking and alcohol restrictions, Davis said. But after booking a few big names for successful concerts, the venue and its staff built a good reputation with musicians, she said.
Now, Rocketown staffers enjoy lending their knowledge and experience as their venue becomes a model to developers such as the Atkinsons.
Davis said: 'We've had, literally, hundreds of folks contact us who wanted to do something similar in their community. It's been fun to share our experience and kind of create a network of organizations trying to do this and make an impact for teens. For adults, I think it's great that there's a place where you don't have to worry about drunk folks being around while you are trying to enjoy a concert.'"
third places
church
Nashville
all ages
live music
clubs
Rock bands in a building that also serves as a church
Another example of a church, this one in Hanover, PA, that doubles as a music venue.
Evening Sun, 2/18/07 - Center transforms for music: "Bombshelter events feature Christian hardcore bands, independent groups, acoustic artists, open mic nights and other happenings. Some of the acts are Christian, but not all....
And Freedom Valley, an Assemblies of God church, is often the place where that stigma is broken. The same room that usually holds about 90 churchgoers during Sunday morning services is turned into a completely different environment when The Bombshelter fills up. ...
Organizers understand that not all Bombshelter patrons are active Christians. So they try not to force religion down patrons' throats.
Aside from a few wall posters, the venue doesn't have much religious iconography.
A black sheet hangs behind the bands, and the event sometimes features acts who aren't much different than those found at a non-Christian rock show. Patrons pay to get in, then go crazy as hardcore rock is spewed from speakers on stage.
But Bombshelter Community shows are a different animal altogether.
Admission is free and patrons share a community meal. And concertgoers get to have a question-and-answer session with one of the bands in attendance.
... when Freedom Valley moved into a former restaurant last spring, Bombshelter organizers realized they had another venue to hold shows.
The remnants of the restaurant add to the building's charm. Aside from the bright green booths and kitchen equipment, music fans dance on the same carpet that restaurant patrons once spilled drinks on. The venue also has separate rooms for bands to leave their equipment, something organizers say they didn't have in the past. ...
'We wanted somewhere else where kids can hang out,' Wilson said. 'There wasn't any other place.'"
church
all ages
third places
Evening Sun, 2/18/07 - Center transforms for music: "Bombshelter events feature Christian hardcore bands, independent groups, acoustic artists, open mic nights and other happenings. Some of the acts are Christian, but not all....
And Freedom Valley, an Assemblies of God church, is often the place where that stigma is broken. The same room that usually holds about 90 churchgoers during Sunday morning services is turned into a completely different environment when The Bombshelter fills up. ...
Organizers understand that not all Bombshelter patrons are active Christians. So they try not to force religion down patrons' throats.
Aside from a few wall posters, the venue doesn't have much religious iconography.
A black sheet hangs behind the bands, and the event sometimes features acts who aren't much different than those found at a non-Christian rock show. Patrons pay to get in, then go crazy as hardcore rock is spewed from speakers on stage.
But Bombshelter Community shows are a different animal altogether.
Admission is free and patrons share a community meal. And concertgoers get to have a question-and-answer session with one of the bands in attendance.
... when Freedom Valley moved into a former restaurant last spring, Bombshelter organizers realized they had another venue to hold shows.
The remnants of the restaurant add to the building's charm. Aside from the bright green booths and kitchen equipment, music fans dance on the same carpet that restaurant patrons once spilled drinks on. The venue also has separate rooms for bands to leave their equipment, something organizers say they didn't have in the past. ...
'We wanted somewhere else where kids can hang out,' Wilson said. 'There wasn't any other place.'"
church
all ages
third places
You can't dance in NYC
As it turns out, you can't dance just anywhere in NYC. Only in certain places.
New York City not ready to cut footloose - Los Angeles Times, 2/26/07: "The 1926 law, which requires bars and restaurants to obtain a cabaret license before three or more patrons can dance, ...
There are about 150 licensed cabarets in New York, according to the city's Department of Consumer Affairs, and 42 pending applications. Dancers say most of those play club and house music, whereas just a handful of venues offer genres such as country and western, salsa, tango, ballroom and swing."
New York
clubs
New York City not ready to cut footloose - Los Angeles Times, 2/26/07: "The 1926 law, which requires bars and restaurants to obtain a cabaret license before three or more patrons can dance, ...
There are about 150 licensed cabarets in New York, according to the city's Department of Consumer Affairs, and 42 pending applications. Dancers say most of those play club and house music, whereas just a handful of venues offer genres such as country and western, salsa, tango, ballroom and swing."
New York
clubs
Sunday, February 18, 2007
SXSW as a foreign music marketing showcase
About 25% of the bands playing official SXSW showcases are from foreign countries. And many of the sponsored SXSW parties are being hosted by location-based economic development groups.
Here's a press release from the Canadian organization describing what it does to promote Canadian bands at SXSW.
CNW Telbec "A record number of 108 Canadian artists have been invited to perform at one of North America's largest annual music industry events and some of Canada's hottest buzz acts - from Malajube to K'naan to Mother Mother - are slated to appear. Established acts such as Kid Koala, The Tragically Hip, Ron Sexsmith, Sloan, and The Dears are also confirmed. Terry McBride, the
visionary founder of Nettwerk Music Group, will be featured in a SXSW interview. ...
The Canadian BLAST at SXSW is a comprehensive marketing, network and business development initiative supported by a government-industry partnership that includes CIRPA (Canadian Independent Record Production Association), FACTOR (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records), SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada), and the government of Canada."
economic development
sxsw
Canada
Here's a press release from the Canadian organization describing what it does to promote Canadian bands at SXSW.
CNW Telbec "A record number of 108 Canadian artists have been invited to perform at one of North America's largest annual music industry events and some of Canada's hottest buzz acts - from Malajube to K'naan to Mother Mother - are slated to appear. Established acts such as Kid Koala, The Tragically Hip, Ron Sexsmith, Sloan, and The Dears are also confirmed. Terry McBride, the
visionary founder of Nettwerk Music Group, will be featured in a SXSW interview. ...
The Canadian BLAST at SXSW is a comprehensive marketing, network and business development initiative supported by a government-industry partnership that includes CIRPA (Canadian Independent Record Production Association), FACTOR (Foundation to Assist Canadian Talent on Records), SOCAN (Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada), and the government of Canada."
economic development
sxsw
Canada
What community does public radio serve?
This Salt Lake City station is wondering if they have to abandon some of their special audiences in order to cultivate a bigger, younger audience.
Salt Lake City Weekly - Nudging the Dial: "For 27 years, KRCL 90.9 FM has been a favorite spot for fans of roots, bluegrass, blues and folk. It’s also the only place on the dial to feature programs in Tongan or broadcast information on the state’s Vietnamese community.
Around 32,000 loyal fans tune in each week. But, in an Ogden-to-Provo radio market with a potential 1.7 million listeners, that isn’t many. KRCL’s audience has stagnated to the point the station risks losing one of its main federal grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), about 11 percent of KRCL’s $900,000 budget. Under CPB guidelines, stations must meet baseline measurements either of listeners or local donations, neither of which KRCL hits, said station manager Donna Land Maldonado."
radio
Salt Lake City Weekly - Nudging the Dial: "For 27 years, KRCL 90.9 FM has been a favorite spot for fans of roots, bluegrass, blues and folk. It’s also the only place on the dial to feature programs in Tongan or broadcast information on the state’s Vietnamese community.
Around 32,000 loyal fans tune in each week. But, in an Ogden-to-Provo radio market with a potential 1.7 million listeners, that isn’t many. KRCL’s audience has stagnated to the point the station risks losing one of its main federal grants from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), about 11 percent of KRCL’s $900,000 budget. Under CPB guidelines, stations must meet baseline measurements either of listeners or local donations, neither of which KRCL hits, said station manager Donna Land Maldonado."
radio
Cincinnati has a song
Having not heard this song, I don't know if it will capture the world's imagination. New York has a song (several actually), so do Chicago, San Franciscio, and others.
Denver doesn't have a song, but John Denver did "Rocky Mountain High," so that kinda captures it.
My guess is that songs about locations work best when they are written as love songs to the place, and if they capture a widely-agreed-upon image.
I lived in Yellow Springs, Ohio, quite awhile ago and visited Cincinnati a few times. What caught my attention was the Proctor and Gamble factory and the working class neighborhoods that surrounded it. It struck me as a blend of American values and European immigrant influences. There's probably a song in there.
The Cincinnati Post, 2/16/07 - Song sings Cincinnati's praises: "The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is again drawing on the vibrant music community to tout the area's arts and creative features, and take some playful shots at other cities as well.
The advocacy group has commissioned a Cincinnati-centric song, and this week is releasing, mostly through Internet distribution, the tune by local troubadour Jake Speed. 'All Roads Lead to Cincinnati' sings the praises of the region in a way designed to capture the attention of the highly sought young professionals demographic."
Cincinnati
tourism
economic development
Denver doesn't have a song, but John Denver did "Rocky Mountain High," so that kinda captures it.
My guess is that songs about locations work best when they are written as love songs to the place, and if they capture a widely-agreed-upon image.
I lived in Yellow Springs, Ohio, quite awhile ago and visited Cincinnati a few times. What caught my attention was the Proctor and Gamble factory and the working class neighborhoods that surrounded it. It struck me as a blend of American values and European immigrant influences. There's probably a song in there.
The Cincinnati Post, 2/16/07 - Song sings Cincinnati's praises: "The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber is again drawing on the vibrant music community to tout the area's arts and creative features, and take some playful shots at other cities as well.
The advocacy group has commissioned a Cincinnati-centric song, and this week is releasing, mostly through Internet distribution, the tune by local troubadour Jake Speed. 'All Roads Lead to Cincinnati' sings the praises of the region in a way designed to capture the attention of the highly sought young professionals demographic."
Cincinnati
tourism
economic development
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