5/14/07, Pitchfork Feature: Interview: The Arcade Fire:"Pitchfork: The Arcade Fire seems drawn to churches, both as performance spaces and as inspiration. Can you talk a little bit about the churches in your life?
WB: ... Most buildings aren't really built with acoustics in mind, and small churches definitely are. Voices need to carry. But also just architecturally-- there's something going into the architecture that's very inspiring.
Pitchfork: Sure. And even taken out of all religious and spiritual contexts, there's something peaceful about being in a church. Church is one of the few places left in America where there's no noise, no television, no radio, no advertising. It lends itself to contemplation.
WB: Right, the purpose of the building is totally different than, like, an office building. It's designed to have an atmosphere. If you think about it, if you've ever been to a Catholic service, it's practically a laser light show. It's very dramatic, very theatrical. The outfits they wear, it's all designed to be impressive."
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Churches make great venues
Although this article is about comedians who play the church circuit, the points made apply to musicians as well.
Christian comics change lives one joke at time — JSCMS, 4/24/07: "'Nationwide, there are more than 300,000 churches and less than 300 comedy clubs,' said Lenny Sisselman, 49, a booking agent based in Nashville, Tenn., who specializes in Christian acts. And 'some of these churches have better performance spaces than the clubs. They have better sound systems, lighting and more seats. [The audience members] also have longer attention spans. Remember, these are people who enjoy sermons.'
Some mega-churches, like televangelist Joel Olsteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, seat upward of 16,000 and have an architectural style closer to Radio City Music Hall than a traditional church. They even have giant video screens that allow for close-ups of the speakers."
Christian comics change lives one joke at time — JSCMS, 4/24/07: "'Nationwide, there are more than 300,000 churches and less than 300 comedy clubs,' said Lenny Sisselman, 49, a booking agent based in Nashville, Tenn., who specializes in Christian acts. And 'some of these churches have better performance spaces than the clubs. They have better sound systems, lighting and more seats. [The audience members] also have longer attention spans. Remember, these are people who enjoy sermons.'
Some mega-churches, like televangelist Joel Olsteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, seat upward of 16,000 and have an architectural style closer to Radio City Music Hall than a traditional church. They even have giant video screens that allow for close-ups of the speakers."
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
The Christian music cruise
A niche within a niche.
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, 03/25/2007- Holy Seas Christians convert cruise ships: "... most Christian cruises are organized along secular lines with plenty of music, sporting contests, dancing and other features of standard cruises.
Some of the most popular are floating music festivals, headlined by superstars from the contemporary Christian music world. Christian illusionists and even Christian wrestlers are onboard as well.
Retired Army veteran Ken Bachini and his wife, Michelle, have been on two cruises with artists from K-Love, a contemporary Christian radio network, and they have already signed up for their third this year.
Bachini said he likes being surrounded by music he is already familiar with, and that the Christian environment makes him feel more comfortable traveling with his children.
'The people are so friendly. There's not a lot of vulgar language going on, (so) you feel fine having your kids on the boat,' said Bachini, who has done both Christian and secular cruises. 'You tend to see more rudeness on the non-Christian cruises. The way people are treating one another, it is night and day.'"
church
cruise
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, 03/25/2007- Holy Seas Christians convert cruise ships: "... most Christian cruises are organized along secular lines with plenty of music, sporting contests, dancing and other features of standard cruises.
Some of the most popular are floating music festivals, headlined by superstars from the contemporary Christian music world. Christian illusionists and even Christian wrestlers are onboard as well.
Retired Army veteran Ken Bachini and his wife, Michelle, have been on two cruises with artists from K-Love, a contemporary Christian radio network, and they have already signed up for their third this year.
Bachini said he likes being surrounded by music he is already familiar with, and that the Christian environment makes him feel more comfortable traveling with his children.
'The people are so friendly. There's not a lot of vulgar language going on, (so) you feel fine having your kids on the boat,' said Bachini, who has done both Christian and secular cruises. 'You tend to see more rudeness on the non-Christian cruises. The way people are treating one another, it is night and day.'"
church
cruise
Heavy metal in church
Hard-core for Christ: Churches cater to 'gutter punks' across U.S. |Dallas Morning News, 3/25/07: "'In every metro area in America, there is at least one church that appeals to heavy metal fans,' said Dave Travis, executive vice president of Leadership Network, a Dallas-based church-growth think tank.
'It's a subculture,' he said. 'As each new generation of believers gets excited about their faith, they invent new churches for their lifestyle. American Christians are very entrepreneurial in reaching young people.'
The Sundance Channel is paying attention to this trend as well. It recently aired the six-part documentary titled One Punk Under God , about Jay Bakker (son of Jim Bakker) and his struggle to plant a church for outcasts in New York.
Mr. Thumma, a sociologist of religion, said that Deliverance Bible Church is part of a vast movement of individualism in American Christian churches that started several decades ago. He said U.S. Christians have a tendency to adapt their spiritual experiences to their lifestyles, whether they're gay, bikers or gutter punks.
'These congregations that have arisen around subgroups in evangelism – and what probably started with the 'Jesus people' in the late '70s to early '80s – have gotten more diverse, doing it in their own idioms and their own ways,' Mr. Thumma said."
church
third places
'It's a subculture,' he said. 'As each new generation of believers gets excited about their faith, they invent new churches for their lifestyle. American Christians are very entrepreneurial in reaching young people.'
The Sundance Channel is paying attention to this trend as well. It recently aired the six-part documentary titled One Punk Under God , about Jay Bakker (son of Jim Bakker) and his struggle to plant a church for outcasts in New York.
Mr. Thumma, a sociologist of religion, said that Deliverance Bible Church is part of a vast movement of individualism in American Christian churches that started several decades ago. He said U.S. Christians have a tendency to adapt their spiritual experiences to their lifestyles, whether they're gay, bikers or gutter punks.
'These congregations that have arisen around subgroups in evangelism – and what probably started with the 'Jesus people' in the late '70s to early '80s – have gotten more diverse, doing it in their own idioms and their own ways,' Mr. Thumma said."
church
third places
Monday, March 05, 2007
The Design Economy
I just found this, which is another entry on the concept that we have already moved beyond the Information Age into the Age of Creativity, or, as it is called here, The Design Economy.
This quote comes from an article in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, but I found it on a blog about media, religion, culture.
There's something happening here. While the Religious Right is getting all of the mainstream press coverage, people are looking for ways to connect with each other through arts and culture and churches are providing those places.
ryan torma: The Design Economy: [Quoted from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune] "The information economy is still with us. But the paradoxical effect of the Internet is that it has made information so widely available that it holds no real economic value. Everybody can get incredible amounts of information, so there's no competitive advantage of having it. The idea of the design economy is that, for developed countries like ours, which cannot compete in a global marketplace on price or even quite often on the quality of a product, we have to compete on the basis of innovation, creativity and imagination, which takes you to design. By design, I don't mean just aesthetics but function and cultural adaptability."
From the blog that cited the above quote:
"Jesus is a commodity. No one needs churches or clergy to tell them about Jesus or any other religion for that matter, it can all be found somewhere else. The design economy holds true for faith communities as well, churches will be judged by how well, or not, they help live their faith, not on their ability to provide information."
creative class
third places
church
This quote comes from an article in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, but I found it on a blog about media, religion, culture.
There's something happening here. While the Religious Right is getting all of the mainstream press coverage, people are looking for ways to connect with each other through arts and culture and churches are providing those places.
ryan torma: The Design Economy: [Quoted from the Minneapolis Star-Tribune] "The information economy is still with us. But the paradoxical effect of the Internet is that it has made information so widely available that it holds no real economic value. Everybody can get incredible amounts of information, so there's no competitive advantage of having it. The idea of the design economy is that, for developed countries like ours, which cannot compete in a global marketplace on price or even quite often on the quality of a product, we have to compete on the basis of innovation, creativity and imagination, which takes you to design. By design, I don't mean just aesthetics but function and cultural adaptability."
From the blog that cited the above quote:
"Jesus is a commodity. No one needs churches or clergy to tell them about Jesus or any other religion for that matter, it can all be found somewhere else. The design economy holds true for faith communities as well, churches will be judged by how well, or not, they help live their faith, not on their ability to provide information."
creative class
third places
church
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Another music venue sponsored by a church
This one is in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Rocky Mountain Chronicle - PSST : "Everyday Joe’s is a non-profit, Old Town coffee shop affiliated with Timberline Church, the sprawling mega-structure on Timberline and Harmony roads that, minus a huge cross, could be confused with a sizable public high school. Timberline Oldtown is an offshoot congregation that meets at Everyday Joe’s on Sundays. During the week, Hess says, the space is open to all, like 'a community center with a coffee bar in the corner' that is 'not going to slam Jesus down someone’s ears when they walk in the door.' ...
" ... Everyday Joe’s frequently books events that are of interest to non-Christians. Many local and national musicians with offbeat, artistic approaches are overlooked by Fort Collins bars and end up soliciting Everyday Joe’s for exposure. The catch is, those who want to play Everyday Joe’s may have to edit their expression.
“'We have a usage agreement that anyone who performs here signs,' Hess says. 'And so they understand that changing a lyric — you know, not dropping the f-bomb in the middle of a song — is worth doing to help out what we are trying to do, which is to just give back to the community.
“'When people think Everyday Joe’s is not Christian enough and other people think we are too Christian, that’s when we know we are in the right spot.'”
third places
church
Rocky Mountain Chronicle - PSST : "Everyday Joe’s is a non-profit, Old Town coffee shop affiliated with Timberline Church, the sprawling mega-structure on Timberline and Harmony roads that, minus a huge cross, could be confused with a sizable public high school. Timberline Oldtown is an offshoot congregation that meets at Everyday Joe’s on Sundays. During the week, Hess says, the space is open to all, like 'a community center with a coffee bar in the corner' that is 'not going to slam Jesus down someone’s ears when they walk in the door.' ...
" ... Everyday Joe’s frequently books events that are of interest to non-Christians. Many local and national musicians with offbeat, artistic approaches are overlooked by Fort Collins bars and end up soliciting Everyday Joe’s for exposure. The catch is, those who want to play Everyday Joe’s may have to edit their expression.
“'We have a usage agreement that anyone who performs here signs,' Hess says. 'And so they understand that changing a lyric — you know, not dropping the f-bomb in the middle of a song — is worth doing to help out what we are trying to do, which is to just give back to the community.
“'When people think Everyday Joe’s is not Christian enough and other people think we are too Christian, that’s when we know we are in the right spot.'”
third places
church
Arts and religion
In my blog I have highlighted a number of churches that are also serving as music venues. It's not that I am a spokesperson for the religious right. Rather, what I see is that churches are moving into a void left by a lack of "third places" which bring people together around music.
Bars are not appropriate places for many people to enjoy music. The alternative (coffeehouses and all-ages clubs) can't always make it if they have to bring in a certain amount of income.
But churches, which exist to serve people on Sunday, but sit empty much of the rest of the week, offer available venues.
This particular article talks about the need to foster both creativity and Jesus. What caught my eye was the quote below.
I have written extensively about people in the information society, and I have seen many engineers laid off as jobs are outsourced overseas. So I have questioned the wisdom of encouraging students to specialize in science, math, and engineering careers when those offer no more lifetime job security than less "practical" endeavors.
The quote below is the first I have seen to suggest that the information age is already over.
Refractions: Being a Child of the Creative Age: "The Information Age is behind us, and yet we, in America, are educating our children to thrive in that past. The skills and knowledge for Information Age are now outsourced, but we are ill equipped to lead in the age of imagination, the age of synthesis."
creative class
third places
creativity
church
Bars are not appropriate places for many people to enjoy music. The alternative (coffeehouses and all-ages clubs) can't always make it if they have to bring in a certain amount of income.
But churches, which exist to serve people on Sunday, but sit empty much of the rest of the week, offer available venues.
This particular article talks about the need to foster both creativity and Jesus. What caught my eye was the quote below.
I have written extensively about people in the information society, and I have seen many engineers laid off as jobs are outsourced overseas. So I have questioned the wisdom of encouraging students to specialize in science, math, and engineering careers when those offer no more lifetime job security than less "practical" endeavors.
The quote below is the first I have seen to suggest that the information age is already over.
Refractions: Being a Child of the Creative Age: "The Information Age is behind us, and yet we, in America, are educating our children to thrive in that past. The skills and knowledge for Information Age are now outsourced, but we are ill equipped to lead in the age of imagination, the age of synthesis."
creative class
third places
creativity
church
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
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
Friday, January 26, 2007
A church-funded arts center
More on Deep Ellum Live in Dallas.
Dallas Morning News, 1/26/07 - Deep Ellum is getting a sonic boost, too: "Onstage opened last Saturday in a drab-green 26,000-square-foot warehouse space at 2803 Taylor St., just south of Canton Street (about a block south of the now-closed Deep Ellum Live building). The music venue is part of Life in Deep Ellum, a $3 million community project funded by Deep Ellum Church that also includes a coffee shop, adult learning center, child-care facility and art gallery.
It's well-funded as an arm of the nonprofit, nondenominational church.
The rectangular, low-ceilinged hall can hold 1,100 people and boasts an all-new, 25,000-watt sound system and industrial-grade air conditioning. Bookings are solid through mid-March and feature young emo-rock bands and local indie standouts such as Salim Nourallah and Nate Bolling.
Yes, Christian acts such as John Reuben are part of the schedule, and some people are automatically skeptical of the quality and nature of music acts that would be booked at a place with a spiritual foundation. But Ellum: Onstage's approach isn't faith-centered; it's community-centered.
'It's a new idea, and this is a community that needs new ideas,' says artistic director Rocky Presley. 'This is a diverse community, and I want to partner with everything that makes sense for our community.'
Besides, Ellum: Onstage's first major concert event should offer a rebuttal to any naysayers. The Ellum: Music Festival will bring in dozens of national bands on their way to Austin for South by Southwest in March. Big names already on board include the Polyphonic Spree on March 10, Mates of State on March 12 and Snowden on March 13."
Dallas
church
third places
Dallas Morning News, 1/26/07 - Deep Ellum is getting a sonic boost, too: "Onstage opened last Saturday in a drab-green 26,000-square-foot warehouse space at 2803 Taylor St., just south of Canton Street (about a block south of the now-closed Deep Ellum Live building). The music venue is part of Life in Deep Ellum, a $3 million community project funded by Deep Ellum Church that also includes a coffee shop, adult learning center, child-care facility and art gallery.
It's well-funded as an arm of the nonprofit, nondenominational church.
The rectangular, low-ceilinged hall can hold 1,100 people and boasts an all-new, 25,000-watt sound system and industrial-grade air conditioning. Bookings are solid through mid-March and feature young emo-rock bands and local indie standouts such as Salim Nourallah and Nate Bolling.
Yes, Christian acts such as John Reuben are part of the schedule, and some people are automatically skeptical of the quality and nature of music acts that would be booked at a place with a spiritual foundation. But Ellum: Onstage's approach isn't faith-centered; it's community-centered.
'It's a new idea, and this is a community that needs new ideas,' says artistic director Rocky Presley. 'This is a diverse community, and I want to partner with everything that makes sense for our community.'
Besides, Ellum: Onstage's first major concert event should offer a rebuttal to any naysayers. The Ellum: Music Festival will bring in dozens of national bands on their way to Austin for South by Southwest in March. Big names already on board include the Polyphonic Spree on March 10, Mates of State on March 12 and Snowden on March 13."
Dallas
church
third places
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Churches are the new music venues
A report on NAMM, the annual music instrument/equipment industry convention, which just took place last week in Anaheim.
1/24/07, Los Angeles Times: Toys for making noise: "Another growth area for NAMM are churches, driven by an increase in mega congregations with their embrace of contemporary live music, as well as upgrades at smaller established churches trying to compete.
'Until three years ago, we were targeting DJs,' said Brian Martin, a salesman for the Chinese-owned International Audio Group, which markets Audiolab and other lines of speakers. 'Now churches are about 30% of our business.'"
live music
clubs
church
third places
1/24/07, Los Angeles Times: Toys for making noise: "Another growth area for NAMM are churches, driven by an increase in mega congregations with their embrace of contemporary live music, as well as upgrades at smaller established churches trying to compete.
'Until three years ago, we were targeting DJs,' said Brian Martin, a salesman for the Chinese-owned International Audio Group, which markets Audiolab and other lines of speakers. 'Now churches are about 30% of our business.'"
live music
clubs
church
third places
Friday, January 19, 2007
More churches as music venues
These are in Arizona.
Arizona Republic, /19/07 - Valley churches double as concert venues: "Bars, concert halls and amphitheaters aren't the only places to catch live music these days. Churches are getting into the swing - or rock, or folk - providing music lovers with a low-key place to enjoy acts.
Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ and New Hope Covenant Church in Peoria are two with regular concerts, and Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Chandler is the latest to kick off a series."
Arizona Republic, /19/07 - Valley churches double as concert venues: "Bars, concert halls and amphitheaters aren't the only places to catch live music these days. Churches are getting into the swing - or rock, or folk - providing music lovers with a low-key place to enjoy acts.
Scottsdale Congregational United Church of Christ and New Hope Covenant Church in Peoria are two with regular concerts, and Valley Unitarian Universalist Church in Chandler is the latest to kick off a series."
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
More church examples
A New Jersey church doubling as a concert venue.
northjersey.com - Montclair Times Community: "Launching their 20th year at a new location, Outpost in the Burbs not only sold out tickets at the 250-seat-capacity sanctuary of the Unitarian Church of Montclair, but the nonprofit organization also managed to usher hundreds of American folk music fans to their current home."
A Virginia church doing the same.
Byrd song: "A familiar face to the local folk music circuit, Byrd will bring his talents to Unity Church in Frederick during its monthly concert series at 8 p.m. Saturday.
The series, held the second Saturday of each month, showcases new musical talent from across the region.
This is the fourth year the church has welcomed singer-songwriters through a program that was first started as a way to raise funds for a new building, said church administrator Jessica Batten.
Now, the series is just an avenue to bring musicians into the building while offering a new way for people to enjoy a Saturday night.
'This is an affordable way to see new musicians and another venue for the musicians, as well,' Batten said."
An Annapolis, Maryland church as a youth music venue.
Teen music lives on - Top Stories: "For more than a year, Cedar Grove has hosted teen nights that feature local bands. The church has never had any complaints or problems with the teens, who range from 6th- to- 12th-graders.
'There's a little trash every now and then, but nothing more,' Mr. Heinrichs said. 'We do have a couple houses around and there have been no problems.'
The church is known for its open sound system - something venues like the Eastport Democratic Club and local fire halls lack, said Janet Phillips, whose 17-year-old son is a member of teen band Cyrcadian Rhythm."
northjersey.com - Montclair Times Community: "Launching their 20th year at a new location, Outpost in the Burbs not only sold out tickets at the 250-seat-capacity sanctuary of the Unitarian Church of Montclair, but the nonprofit organization also managed to usher hundreds of American folk music fans to their current home."
A Virginia church doing the same.
Byrd song: "A familiar face to the local folk music circuit, Byrd will bring his talents to Unity Church in Frederick during its monthly concert series at 8 p.m. Saturday.
The series, held the second Saturday of each month, showcases new musical talent from across the region.
This is the fourth year the church has welcomed singer-songwriters through a program that was first started as a way to raise funds for a new building, said church administrator Jessica Batten.
Now, the series is just an avenue to bring musicians into the building while offering a new way for people to enjoy a Saturday night.
'This is an affordable way to see new musicians and another venue for the musicians, as well,' Batten said."
An Annapolis, Maryland church as a youth music venue.
Teen music lives on - Top Stories: "For more than a year, Cedar Grove has hosted teen nights that feature local bands. The church has never had any complaints or problems with the teens, who range from 6th- to- 12th-graders.
'There's a little trash every now and then, but nothing more,' Mr. Heinrichs said. 'We do have a couple houses around and there have been no problems.'
The church is known for its open sound system - something venues like the Eastport Democratic Club and local fire halls lack, said Janet Phillips, whose 17-year-old son is a member of teen band Cyrcadian Rhythm."
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Churches as venues: another example
STLtoday - Entertainment - Music: "It's certainly one of the region's most colorful venues. St. Louis Cathedral Basilica, 4431 Lindell Boulevard, is the center of worship for the Roman Catholic archdiocese. It's also the home of one of the area's most dedicated presenters, Cathedral Concerts.
"The concerts were the brainchild of archdiocesan music director John Romeri, who arrived in 1992 and promptly started looking for ways to bring more music — and more people — into the building. The series has had its financial ups and downs, but Romeri and the Cathedral staff have maintained their commitment to presenting "great music in a great space."
church
"The concerts were the brainchild of archdiocesan music director John Romeri, who arrived in 1992 and promptly started looking for ways to bring more music — and more people — into the building. The series has had its financial ups and downs, but Romeri and the Cathedral staff have maintained their commitment to presenting "great music in a great space."
church
Monday, December 25, 2006
More on Third Places
This comes from a church blog. As I have been searching for blog entries about "third places," I've come across a number of references to developing churches as "third places."
It's an excellent idea. The challenge will be to get people who aren't members of that church to feel comfortable gathering there. (And perhaps that isn't what the church wants anyway.) But if it becomes the case, then churches may also be used as music venues, giving people an alternative to bars. What appeals to me about churches as music venues is that most of them also have daycare facilities, so adults can go to a concert and their kids can be watched in adjacent rooms.
MBCC Blog: the third place?: "Oldenburg sees the third place as the cure for American society’s fragmentation. He lists several characteristics that all third places share. First, the third place puts people on neutral ground. By this, he means that it is a setting where people can come and go as they please without obligation. Inherent in this is a contradiction that Oldenburg himself points out: “we need a good deal of immunity from those whose company we like best”. The second trait is that they are a leveler. In a third place, every one is equal. People of differing social status come together without distinction, to put in perhaps too idealistic terms. Next, third places are spots where the main activity is conversation. Fourth, it is accessible and accommodating at almost anytime. Fifth, third places have “regulars”, people who are always in the place and add to the environment (think Norm on Cheers). Third places tend to have a low profile. They are usually in buildings that have been around for awhile. Finally, third places have the feeling of a home away from home."
creative class
third places
church
It's an excellent idea. The challenge will be to get people who aren't members of that church to feel comfortable gathering there. (And perhaps that isn't what the church wants anyway.) But if it becomes the case, then churches may also be used as music venues, giving people an alternative to bars. What appeals to me about churches as music venues is that most of them also have daycare facilities, so adults can go to a concert and their kids can be watched in adjacent rooms.
MBCC Blog: the third place?: "Oldenburg sees the third place as the cure for American society’s fragmentation. He lists several characteristics that all third places share. First, the third place puts people on neutral ground. By this, he means that it is a setting where people can come and go as they please without obligation. Inherent in this is a contradiction that Oldenburg himself points out: “we need a good deal of immunity from those whose company we like best”. The second trait is that they are a leveler. In a third place, every one is equal. People of differing social status come together without distinction, to put in perhaps too idealistic terms. Next, third places are spots where the main activity is conversation. Fourth, it is accessible and accommodating at almost anytime. Fifth, third places have “regulars”, people who are always in the place and add to the environment (think Norm on Cheers). Third places tend to have a low profile. They are usually in buildings that have been around for awhile. Finally, third places have the feeling of a home away from home."
creative class
third places
church
Sunday, October 29, 2006
The new live music venue
Some bands don't feel they can play to the same people every week and draw a crowd. And yet, churches are incorporating more live music as a way to attract people every week.
Just as bands are incorporating popular music and culture into their experience, I think there is something artists can learn from church: If you people a meaningful experience, they may seek you out every week.
People want community and they want to feel moved/uplifted/enriched.
St. Petersburg Times | A cool tweak to tradition: "On Sundays, the Italian Club in Ybor City becomes a haven for the young and hip.
"Blackout curtains cover the windows. Video screens project movie clips. And chairs fill with members of the MTV generation sporting multihued hairdos, hip huggers and tank tops.
"On stage, a rock band jams, covering songs from Coldplay and the All-American Rejects. Before long, a man clad in jeans and a T-shirt takes the stage. He cradles a Bible and a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. His sermon lasts 27 minutes - about the time of the average sitcom.
"This is cool church."
Just as bands are incorporating popular music and culture into their experience, I think there is something artists can learn from church: If you people a meaningful experience, they may seek you out every week.
People want community and they want to feel moved/uplifted/enriched.
St. Petersburg Times | A cool tweak to tradition: "On Sundays, the Italian Club in Ybor City becomes a haven for the young and hip.
"Blackout curtains cover the windows. Video screens project movie clips. And chairs fill with members of the MTV generation sporting multihued hairdos, hip huggers and tank tops.
"On stage, a rock band jams, covering songs from Coldplay and the All-American Rejects. Before long, a man clad in jeans and a T-shirt takes the stage. He cradles a Bible and a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. His sermon lasts 27 minutes - about the time of the average sitcom.
"This is cool church."
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
The Christian Music Market
Christian Today : "Each year, over 22 million fans of Christian music attend live events in venues ranging from small church gatherings to huge arena-based shows. According to Bob Thompson of Atlanta Fest, the group’s newly-elected president: 'Each summer, well over a million of those fans attend multi-day events, known as Christian music festivals, from coast to coast.
“'The Christian music festivals put on by CFA members are attended by over 1.2 million of those fans. Collectively, these festivals send out over 2.5 million direct mail pieces, send E-mail blasts to over 4 million potential attendees and hang posters in nearly a million churches, schools and retail locations,' Thompson said.
“'Collectively, the CFA member websites attract over 150 million annual hits. These marketing efforts are augmented by significant electronic media coverage on Christian radio and TV stations nationwide.'”
“'The Christian music festivals put on by CFA members are attended by over 1.2 million of those fans. Collectively, these festivals send out over 2.5 million direct mail pieces, send E-mail blasts to over 4 million potential attendees and hang posters in nearly a million churches, schools and retail locations,' Thompson said.
“'Collectively, the CFA member websites attract over 150 million annual hits. These marketing efforts are augmented by significant electronic media coverage on Christian radio and TV stations nationwide.'”
Monday, September 11, 2006
Converting churches to music venues
The Wall Street Journal (August 30, 2006) had an article about how Church of Christ, Scientist in Yakima, Washington was purchased and became the Seasons Music Festival. WSJ.com - When Churches Convert to Arts Venues
"The acoustical properties and central locations of old sanctuaries often make them ideal concert halls, but converted churches and synagogues find other performance uses as well. Across the Cascade Mountains from Yakima, Seattle's Town Hall, another decommissioned Christian Science church, functions as a cultural kaleidoscope. ...
"A few of the dozens of other church-to-performance-hall conversions:
• In Eugene, Ore., a massive former Baptist church houses the Shedd Institute's three performance halls, two dance studios, library and an array of community meeting rooms.
• The Old Church in Portland, Ore., held Calvary Presbyterians upon its founding in 1882, then Baptists until its declining membership had to put it on the market. Rescued from oblivion by community action in 1967, it became a performance hall presenting everything from writer seminars to concerts by Tuvan throat singers.
• Since 1992, the First Congregational Church of St. Louis, built in 1884, has led a new life as the Grandel Theatre.
• In New Haven, Conn., the Yale Repertory Theatre is in what was the Calvary Baptist Church.
• In British Columbia, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has two concert halls in the former Metropolitan United Church, built in 1894. The conservatory took over the church in 2000."
"The acoustical properties and central locations of old sanctuaries often make them ideal concert halls, but converted churches and synagogues find other performance uses as well. Across the Cascade Mountains from Yakima, Seattle's Town Hall, another decommissioned Christian Science church, functions as a cultural kaleidoscope. ...
"A few of the dozens of other church-to-performance-hall conversions:
• In Eugene, Ore., a massive former Baptist church houses the Shedd Institute's three performance halls, two dance studios, library and an array of community meeting rooms.
• The Old Church in Portland, Ore., held Calvary Presbyterians upon its founding in 1882, then Baptists until its declining membership had to put it on the market. Rescued from oblivion by community action in 1967, it became a performance hall presenting everything from writer seminars to concerts by Tuvan throat singers.
• Since 1992, the First Congregational Church of St. Louis, built in 1884, has led a new life as the Grandel Theatre.
• In New Haven, Conn., the Yale Repertory Theatre is in what was the Calvary Baptist Church.
• In British Columbia, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has two concert halls in the former Metropolitan United Church, built in 1894. The conservatory took over the church in 2000."
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