930 Forums
=> GENERAL DISCUSSION => Topic started by: beetsnotbeats on September 26, 2007, 08:46:00 am
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Fillmore Music Hall To Be Built In Silver Spring Under County Deal
(http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/25/AR2007092502400.html)
By Richard Harrington and Ann E. Marimow
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, September 26, 2007; Page C01
Live Nation, the world's largest producer of live concerts, has sealed a deal to build one of its Fillmore clubs in Silver Spring, bringing a hallowed name in rock history to the entertainment district in the city's revitalized downtown.
Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett said he would join officials of Live Nation at noon today to announce they have signed a letter of intent to build the facility at Colesville Road and Georgia Avenue, the location of the old J.C. Penney department store, whose historic art deco facade will be preserved and incorporated into the club's design. The Fillmore, which would accommodate audiences from 500 (seated) to 2,000 (standing), will be across the street from the AFI's restored Silver Theatre and the Round House Theatre.
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Duncan, now an administrator at the University of Maryland, announced a new plan yesterday to open a Birchmere venue in College Park. The 500-seat music hall would partner with the university's school of music and be part of its major redevelopment project to bring more restaurants and stores to the campus.
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On Monday, Seth Hurwitz, head of Bethesda-based IMP, which owns the 9:30 club (the nation's busiest in terms of ticket sales) and operates Merriweather Post Pavilion, sent a letter to Leggett expressing his "sincere interest in the proposed music facility in Silver Spring." Hurwitz said he had held off, hoping the county and the Birchmere "would all get back to the table because it's probably what belongs there. . . . As a lifelong Montgomery County resident, and with 28 years of experience in the music business, I would have liked to be considered for this opportunity."
The Fillmore would likely pose major competition to the 9:30 club, a District venue long celebrated for booking important rock bands and ranked as one of the nation's best places to hear music.
Leggett said Hurwitz's letter came "sort of at the last minute" and too late. "We've been out there and some people have come and talked to us, but this was the first I heard from them."
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BTW, here is one of several artist's conceptions of UMCP's East Campus (http://eastcampus.umd.edu/main.cfm) project where the new Birchmere would go (the photo is from this site (http://eastcampus.umd.edu/InitConcept.cfm)). The building on the right is Ritchie Coliseum. The birds are a nice touch, though they remind me of the beginning of the video for "We Built This City." Lot's more info at Rethink College Park (http://rethinkcollegepark.net/blog/).
<img src="http://eastcampus.umd.edu/Image/Init/Slide24.jpg" alt=" - " />
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I've always thought it interesting that we've got a non-American license plate on the dark car at bottom right. Can't quite make out what it is.
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Apparently the Fillmore development was very controversial in the neighborhood. We may have some S. Spring residents who can speak to it, but I got into a conversation with some friends who live there, one of whom is a real estate agent. I think there's concern about 'loitering,' bringing kids and loud crowds into the area, which is kind of crazy as places like that folks drive in for a show and are gone as soon as it's over. Anyone ever seen random loitering music fans around the State Theatre?
Nice props to the 9:30 in the article as one of the best venues in the country, as we all know. The article in the Post is much longer than the excerpts above, and interesting. Find it here. (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/25/AR2007092502400.html)
PS, a friend 'inside' thinks the Fillmore plans will put off the House of Blues possibility until at least past 2010, when the Fillmore is expected to open.
As always, I'm worried that Live Nation will try to wield market power to keep bands from 9:30, but I think between this and H. of Blues, there was no keeping Live Nation away....
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Originally posted by beetsnotbeats:
BTW, here is one of several artist's conceptions of UMCP's East Campus (http://eastcampus.umd.edu/main.cfm) project where the new Birchmere would go (the photo is from this site (http://eastcampus.umd.edu/InitConcept.cfm)). The building on the right is Ritchie Coliseum. The birds are a nice touch, though they remind me of the beginning of the video for "We Built This City." Lot's more info at Rethink College Park (http://rethinkcollegepark.net/blog/).
I guess they forgot the nooses hanging from the trees.
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Originally posted by beetsnotbeats:
Leggett said Hurwitz's letter came "sort of at the last minute" and too late. "We've been out there and some people have come and talked to us, but this was the first I heard from them."[/i]
Translation: "I looked through my donor rolls and found no record of this Hurwitz guy."
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Don't think this link has been posted yet:
http://www.livemusicss.com/index.html (http://www.livemusicss.com/index.html)
There are signs up at the SS location with this URL on it. If you click on the link for "Team", there's no mention of Live Nation. Hrmmmm....
I just hope that the newly opened SS "School of Rock" kids will be able to get opening gigs at this venue! :)
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Originally posted by Bags:
Apparently the Fillmore development was very controversial in the neighborhood. We may have some S. Spring residents who can speak to it, but I got into a conversation with some friends who live there, one of whom is a real estate agent. I think there's concern about 'loitering,' bringing kids and loud crowds into the area, which is kind of crazy as places like that folks drive in for a show and are gone as soon as it's over. Anyone ever seen random loitering music fans around the State Theatre?
There's all kinds of hubbub about the new venue. The county seems to think they're going to have a hand in dictating what types of "suitable performers" will be playing. I think they're stopping just short of saying "We don't want to attract the wrong element". They're worried about traffic and parking. As for loiterers, there are already tons of them in that area at night, but they're afraid people are going to come into town, become loud, drunk and ready to fight. You damn rock and roll kids.
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Apparently the Fillmore development was very controversial in the neighborhood. We may have some S. Spring residents who can speak to it, but I got into a conversation with some friends who live there, one of whom is a real estate agent. I think there's concern about 'loitering,' bringing kids and loud crowds into the area, which is kind of crazy as places like that folks drive in for a show and are gone as soon as it's over. Anyone ever seen random loitering music fans around the State Theatre?
Under that logic, the Majestic theater should certainly be closed, considering the sheer numbers of loud mouthed, rowdy kids that loiter outside of that place every night.
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I'm going to pledge my allegiance right now.
I will never, ever, under any circumstances...post on the Fillmore chatboard.
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Ike Leggett just lost my vote.
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Originally posted by azaghal1981:
Ike Leggett just lost my vote.
Now now. Let's not give Robin Ficker any hope.
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There is only one Fillmore in the world and thats the one in San Francisco. The Denver one is a spin off. Now Philly at TLA, Miami, and New York at Irving Plaza have been bought off from someone with rights to the Fillmore name and abusing it. Just one Fillmore and thats San Fran. No need to expand like the Hard Rock Cafes and concert venues.
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Originally posted by Arthwys:
I've always thought it interesting that we've got a non-American license plate on the dark car at bottom right. Can't quite make out what it is.
It looks to be a German license plate from Hamburg as they have the "HH" designation for Hansestadt Hamburg...
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there were two fillmores. the original location is the current one at geary + fillmore in sf. moved in '68 to market and south van ness. the other opened in nyc in '68. pretty lame that cc/LN is renaming all their venues fillmores. boycott cc,LN,nisson etc. as far as the birch, originally they were only bluegrass and country. now they are all over the place. they charge big bucks and get the suburban soccer mom/family crowd. it will be intesting to see who shows up to see rollins. the college park birch would also complete with 930 and fm for some acts. if anything, prices might go up if everyone is competing. then again if you look at nyc and all the venues they have, alot of the big ones like the fm/irving + webster are dark alot.
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From what I've read so far, the CP Birchmere may work with UM's School of Music. How I'm not sure but I would guess jazz and world. The Birchmere might actually work in conjunction with UM's Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center with some CSPAC seasonal shows at the Birchmere. For that matter, the new venue would be on UM land that is leased to the developer and subleased to tenants, so who knows?
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Originally posted by Arthwys:
I've always thought it interesting that we've got a non-American license plate on the dark car at bottom right. Can't quite make out what it is.
So does the one in front - 2 bimmers so I'm guessing they're german...have you noticed the station wagon is a mirror image?
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no wonder seth is pissed. mo co is giving $4mil. md is giving $4m. LN only has to put up $2m.
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UM press release (http://www.newsdesk.umd.edu/uniini/release.cfm?ArticleID=1506)
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more bands coming to DC!!!!!
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... Well that stood in stark contrast to the overwhelming 9:30, small local venue allegiance.
Anyhow, when and if--I guess "if" isn't really applicable anymore--these both open, it will be interesting to see how they compete. LiveNation is a big name, but I hope the artists who have played 9:30 in the past will recognize its history and reputation and choose to play there... although that whole idea may be rather optimistic.
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Originally posted by bull930:
more bands coming to DC!!!!!
same bands coming
higher tickets after bidding wars
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I thought the birchmere was geared towards an older crowd (the artists, prices, seating) so the College Park location surprises me. If College Park students would pay $100 to see Michael Bolton I'm glad I didn't go there for grad school.
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Originally posted by anarchist:
there were two fillmores. the original location is the current one at geary + fillmore in sf. moved in '68 to market and south van ness. the other opened in nyc in '68. pretty lame that cc/LN is renaming all their venues fillmores. boycott cc,LN,nisson etc. as far as the birch, originally they were only bluegrass and country. now they are all over the place. they charge big bucks and get the suburban soccer mom/family crowd. it will be intesting to see who shows up to see rollins. the college park birch would also complete with 930 and fm for some acts. if anything, prices might go up if everyone is competing. then again if you look at nyc and all the venues they have, alot of the big ones like the fm/irving + webster are dark alot.
actually webster hall isn't dark all that often. irving plaza is a different story. webster hall also has a bunch of other dance nights at the club, so from a business perspective (and theyre part of the bowery clan) it seems theyre doing well. overall - it seems that the bowery presents locations almost always have bands at their venues. the difference is the super huge locations - but most of them have other things at their arenas/auditoriums.
but really - its comparing apples & oranges. NYC has the people to come out and go to the clubs (large & small) and has an abundance of bands (local and not) that come into town.
i cant imagine that opening a HoB or Fillmore in SS is a good thing. Bands rave about the 9:30 club that I have met and say its one of their favorite places to play. I sure hope it continues.
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Originally posted by kmb187:
I hope the artists who have played 9:30 in the past will recognize its history and reputation and choose to play there... although that whole idea may be rather optimistic.
The artists' preference may not matter much if LN tells them that if they don't play the Fillmore in DC, then they don't play other LN venues in cities A, B, C and D (where there is no great LN alternative like the 9:30).
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Not many people would pay $100 to see Michael Bolton. According to the Post review, the Birchmere was half empty for his show.
Originally posted by 6949:
I thought the birchmere was geared towards an older crowd (the artists, prices, seating) so the College Park location surprises me. If College Park students would pay $100 to see Michael Bolton I'm glad I didn't go there for grad school.
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This is true. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but I think some bands sign deals with LN that in effect say that they are obligated by them to play their venues if applicable.
Originally posted by Bags:
Originally posted by kmb187:
I hope the artists who have played 9:30 in the past will recognize its history and reputation and choose to play there... although that whole idea may be rather optimistic.
The artists' preference may not matter much if LN tells them that if they don't play the Fillmore in DC, then they don't play other LN venues in cities A, B, C and D (where there is no great LN alternative like the 9:30). [/b]
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Originally posted by Seth Hurwitz:
Originally posted by bull930:
more bands coming to DC!!!!!
same bands coming
higher tickets after bidding wars [/b]
its strange that sometimes competition is good for prices, in other scenarios it is bad.
of course, i guess seth isnt really the "consumer" here.
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I think it's more analogous to two firms competing to get a top notch worker to come work for them, as opposed to the consumer goods market.
Originally posted by le sonick:
Originally posted by Seth Hurwitz:
Originally posted by bull930:
more bands coming to DC!!!!!
same bands coming
higher tickets after bidding wars [/b]
its strange that sometimes competition is good for prices, in other scenarios it is bad.
of course, i guess seth isnt really the "consumer" here. [/b]
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Two words describe what's wrong with this deal: Live Nation. Goggle 'em and weep. Do the terms "monopolistic" and "anti-trust" ring a bell? Not good for fans, not good for musicians. May the "God" of your choice bless Seth.
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Somebody mentioned it already, but i'll second it. Leggett went after the money and tripped over himself. The Birchmere at least was local - which goes a long way with the self-consciously all-too concerned East Silver Spring Takoma Park crowd - and booked neo-folkies and an ocassional Dead rip-off band which is't exactly controversial.
Wait until all the birkenstock-clad parents of 3-10 year olds (some of whom have juvenile records for doing bong rips at the Capital Centre 17 years ago) who are already afraid to go into silver spring after dark see the lists of bands that hit the filmores and HoB's in other cities.
The NIMBYism hasn't even started. I hope I'm wrong, but I don't think I am.
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Chris Crocker says: Leave 930 alone!!
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do you eat in local restaurants or chessecake factory? support local venues, boycott large monopolies. live nation now controls the warner also.
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Originally posted by anarchist:
live nation now controls the warner also.
As well as the 6th&I Synagogue.
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Originally posted by Bags:
The artists' preference may not matter much if LN tells them that if they don't play the Fillmore in DC, then they don't play other LN venues in cities A, B, C and D (where there is no great LN alternative like the 9:30).
Good point.
Unfortunately.
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Originally posted by azaghal1981:
Originally posted by anarchist:
live nation now controls the warner also.
As well as the 6th&I Synagogue. [/b]
Doesn't GOD control the 6th&I Synagogue? I mean, really...
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Depends on who you ask, I guess.
And if so, he royally fucked up by letting its concert promoting fall into the wrong hands.
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Originally posted by anarchist:
do you eat in local restaurants or chessecake factory? support local venues, boycott large monopolies. live nation now controls the warner also.
Yeah because the few of you who boycot starbucks and the cheesecake factory are really making a difference.
Most people will go where their favorite bands are playing.
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You know, I've had the opportunity to hear a lot from all sides of this equation, and I think everyone in this business is about making money, bottom line. The venues, the bands, the booking agents, the promoters, all of them. The music is somewhat secondary here. Can't blame them I guess, but keep that in mind when you bash the "fill in the blank" for ticket prices, monopolizing shows (as if 9:30 by default doesn't already have a monopoly on certain size shows in this city), etc.
In the end, we, the fans with $$, determine how a market deals with performance spaces. I'd love to live in a city like NY that can support so many venues and bring every band under the sun there. Except I hate NY for every other reason. But those venues don't open up cause someone says "let's give the fans more opportunity to see great music." They open cause they see a chance to make more $$. End of story. The same way 9:30 can charge $5 or more for a miller light, or the Synagogue can rent it's space for performance.
Speaking of which, anyone can put on a show at the Synagogue, if you've got an idea why don't you make something happen instead of complaining about the people who do put shows on there. It is amazing how much complaining goes on by lazy people. Don't like it, fucking do something about it, or at least try.
I love 9:30, I love the Cat, the Hotel, LiveNation, all of them have a place. But there are pieces of all of them that make me sick too, about the biz in general that makes me sick. But I'm not gonna trash any of them for trying to make money, cause that it is a given in this industry. If you have a problem with that you shouldn't go see live music.
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What if the cheesecake factory food and service is better than the food and service of the local restuarant?
Originally posted by anarchist:
do you eat in local restaurants or chessecake factory? support local venues, boycott large monopolies. live nation now controls the warner also.
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Originally posted by redsock:
You know, I've had the opportunity to hear a lot from all sides of this equation, and I think everyone in this business is about making money, bottom line. The venues, the bands, the booking agents, the promoters, all of them. The music is somewhat secondary here. Can't blame them I guess, but keep that in mind when you bash the "fill in the blank" for ticket prices, monopolizing shows (as if 9:30 by default doesn't already have a monopoly on certain size shows in this city), etc.
In the end, we, the fans with $$, determine how a market deals with performance spaces. I'd love to live in a city like NY that can support so many venues and bring every band under the sun there. Except I hate NY for every other reason. But those venues don't open up cause someone says "let's give the fans more opportunity to see great music." They open cause they see a chance to make more $$. End of story. The same way 9:30 can charge $5 or more for a miller light, or the Synagogue can rent it's space for performance.
Speaking of which, anyone can put on a show at the Synagogue, if you've got an idea why don't you make something happen instead of complaining about the people who do put shows on there. It is amazing how much complaining goes on by lazy people. Don't like it, fucking do something about it, or at least try.
I love 9:30, I love the Cat, the Hotel, LiveNation, all of them have a place. But there are pieces of all of them that make me sick too, about the biz in general that makes me sick. But I'm not gonna trash any of them for trying to make money, cause that it is a given in this industry. If you have a problem with that you shouldn't go see live music.
Amen.
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Originally posted by anarchist:
do you eat in local restaurants or chessecake factory? support local venues, boycott large monopolies. live nation now controls the warner also.
boycott money effecting the simple minds of thought processes.
boycott 7-11 for being better than handy mart.
boycott 930 for getting bigger bands than black cat
boycott 14th street because it comes before 12th.
boycott asphalt because it has a monopoly on our roads.
and boycott people who use only the first letters of words instead of spelling out the entire fucking thing.
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my big gripe in all of this really is $8 million of taxpayers money being used to subsidize probably the last people that need it
having just sent my MD qtrly pymnt in, this particular sickens me that I am helping to pay for Live Nation to compete with me
other than that, there's my disgust with the arrogance of any public official that they can plow ahead with something because they know what's best for everybody
reminds of when they somehow renamed National Airport to Reagan
but, of course, why open this stuff up for public forum, when it might slow down what they're trying to get done quickly without those silly citizens slowing it down with their so called valued opinions & rights
seriously though...it might be a really cool space that we could do something exciting with
I wouldn't know...was never offered the opportunity
that's just way wrong
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Originally posted by Seth Hurwitz:
$8 million of taxpayers money being used to subsidize probably the last people that need it
Bingo. They turned a gross profit of $224 Million in the 2nd quarter alone - you'd think they could make a few adjustments in corporate overhead and find $8 Million of their own to make this work.
If Legget decides to move up the policital ladder, it will be interesting to see who stuffs his campaign war chests down the road....
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This is a total sell-out. Live Nation is also known as: Clear Channel (radio play-time); Redlight Management (talent management); Live Nation - venue management; Music Today - merch fulfillment - t-shirts/cds shipping; digital music downloads; tour management. This company is predatory; greedy, opportunistic and dangerous to artists and fans. The only thing that could ever make this acceptable to a politician or city planner is campaign contributions and bribes; there's no pay off music lovers or artists. crickets....crickets....chirp. Wake the f*ck up.
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clear channel was just bought out by a couple of private equity firms for $19.5 billion. they will probably split up the empire.
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It seems to be getting uglier. The $4million in state funds may be traveling to College Park with the Birchmere, rather than staying with the Silver Spring venue. That could cause problems with the Live Nation deal.
Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/26/AR2007092602260.html)
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Originally posted by Bombay Chutney:
It seems to be getting uglier. The $4million in state funds may be traveling to College Park with the Birchmere, rather than staying with the Silver Spring venue. That could cause problems with the Live Nation deal.
Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/26/AR2007092602260.html)
Lessee: </font>- <font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">Silver Spring residents would have much prefered the Birchmere</font></li>
- <font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">UM is run by the state</font></li>
- <font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">Duncan's interest is now with UM</font></li>
- <font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">The Birchmere will reportedly collaborate with UM's School of Music</font></li>
- <font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">The Birchmere is a single-venue local company loved by its patrons for 40 years</font></li>
- <font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">Live Nation is a giant conglomerate loathed wherever it goes</font></li>
<font size="2" face="Arial, Veranda">
Birchmere pwns Live Nation.
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whilst browsing the net, i ran into this tasty piece of info, for those who would like to call in and voice their opinions to those involved:
Elected Officials to Host Call-In Show on Cable
Montgomery County leaders are opening the phone lines to residents with complaints, compliments or questions. County Executive <http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/Isiah+Leggett?tid=informline> Isiah Leggett (D) and County Council President <http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/related/topic/Marilyn+Praisner?tid=informline> Marilyn Praisner (D-Eastern County) will host the first in a series of live, televised call-in shows tomorrow night, saying they will take questions on any topic of local interest.
To participate, residents can call 240-777-6540 during the show, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The show will be broadcast on Channel 6, the county's cable channel, and on the county's Web site, <http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/> http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov)
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Originally posted by DaveKShape:
To participate, residents can call 240-777-6540 during the show, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The show will be broadcast on Channel 6, the county's cable channel, and on the county's Web site, <http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/> http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov)
actually, looks like this article was from yesterday. so the show is actually *tonight*. if you've got something to say, now's your chance to say it.
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If you check out this week's Show & Tell in the Washington City Paper with the "Live Nation Frustation" story (http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=8186), several other club owner chime in on the new Fillmore in Silver Spring. They also have someone from pollstar talk about the concerns the 930 club is addressing.
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"But Rock & Roll Hotel owner Joe Englert isn??t worried. He says opening another music space near D.C. could actually benefit local venues. ??I think that
one of the reasons that D.C. hasn??t had a great reputation for live music in the past is that there hasn??t been enough places to see shows. I am sure that
9:30 Club, Black Cat, and Rock & Roll will still be packing them in after Live Nation opens their venue,? he writes in an e-mail."
And he's the one guy out of the 3 interviewed who's let live nation put on shows in his club recently. Unless the rnr hotel has changed hands in the last couple months that is.
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Rumor has it that Live Nation has approached him to buy out R&R Hotel. Does that explain his jovial response? Don't forget that some bands that play existing venues in DC, who are managed by Live Nation subsidiaries, might not be "allowed" to play 930/Black Cat/R&R if Live Nation venue/ticketing has 'em tied up for "Fillmore Maryland". Right now, LN doesn't play that since the Verizon venue is reserved for mega-bands that can fill 20-30,000 seats.
Also, I'm not sure how Seth's contract requirement stipulating than no band can play another show within 50 (or is it 75?) miles of DC within 30 days of a gig at 930 Club will fit into this "new" pecking order since "Fillmore Maryland" will probably have similar capacity as 930?????. Complicated cwap...and don't think for one minute LN won't be jacking up ticket prices. They're all about making MASSIVE MONEY and locking up every angle of the music business...Where's the love?
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Originally posted by Bartelby:
Rumor has it that Live Nation has approached him to buy out R&R Hotel. Does that explain his jovial response?
There is plenty of not so good blood between RnR ownership and Live Nation. His response could have been far less jovial. Based on the size of DC, his comments are on point, we really could support these venues and more. But my concern is the generally apathetic audience they are all vying for. There are only so many music fans in DC willing to go see shows, and this has to be taken into consideration.
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why bother buy rnrH? there are plenty of bldgs on H st ne they could buy. rnrH is such a lame name, they should call it the fillmore DC.
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Originally posted by Seth Hurwitz:
my big gripe in all of this really is $8 million of taxpayers money being used to subsidize probably the last people that need it
This is my by biggest complaint as well. If anyone wants to take the space over and start a business, they are welcome to do so. But why do I have to contribute to it?
F the Fillmore
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Originally posted by Charlie Nakatestes,Japanese Golfer:
I think it's more analogous to two firms competing to get a top notch worker to come work for them, as opposed to the consumer goods market.
Originally posted by le sonick:
Originally posted by Seth Hurwitz:
Originally posted by bull930:
more bands coming to DC!!!!!
same bands coming
higher tickets after bidding wars [/b]
its strange that sometimes competition is good for prices, in other scenarios it is bad.
of course, i guess seth isnt really the "consumer" here. [/b]
[/b]
It is important to remember that this is just the beginning of the process. There are plenty of opportunities for either the government agencies or Live Nation to fuck this up. I have seen huge deals turn to dust (ok, so maybe i was doing a little more than just watching) because of something as simple as someone failing to give notice of a required public meeting, or because the power exercised by a local government to grant funds exceeded the scope of authority delegated to it by the state legislature (i.e., either the way they granted the funds or the grant itself was unconstitutional).
If someone(s) was really curious about what is behind this deal, he/she/they might submit requests under the Maryland Public Information Act to the Montgomery County Department of Finance and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, and request all: letters of intent; applications; correspondence, including, but not limited to electronic mail; reports and studies submitted to the agencies; reports and studies created by the agencies for internal and external use; and all other records, which term is to be given the most expansive and inclusive reading, relating to the dedication of state or local funds, however generated, to the development of a live music venue in Silver Spring. The Act will contain deadlines for the agencies' responses and conditions under which they may withhold the requested information.
Also, look at the statutes and regulations that might govern this process (which regs apply depend on the exact source of funding), and start asking loaded questions when engaging in the debates -- either directly with government officials or members of the media.
For instance, if the $4 million coming from Montgomery County is coming through the County's Economic Development Fund, the Code of Montgomery County Regulations ("COMCOR")20.73.01.03(a) states that an eligible entity is "any private employer (including nonprofits) which is located in the County that plans to substantially expand or retain operations in the County, or an employer that plans to locate in the County." I.M.P. is a private employer incorporated under Maryland law with offices in Montgomery County and operations in Montgomery County, and by submitting its letter stating an interest in developing the Silver Spring site, it expressed an intent to expand, or at a minimum retain, its operations in the County. Does the regulation really intend to treat all "private employers" equally or should an existing county business receive priority?
The answer may be in the following regulations. COMCOR 20.73.01.04 states that "priority will be given to assistance that will materially improve the County's economy and advance the County's economic development objectives and strategies." Well, Montgomery County houses an entire section about its commitment to small local businesses on the same webpage that it provides information about the economic development fund. I.M.P. is a small local business operating in Montgomery County. Wouldn't supporting -- or at least seriously considering -- I.M.P.'s proposal "advance the County's economic development objectives and strategies"?
Further, the same regulation states that "HIGHEST consideration will be given to assistance that brings significant employment growth either by CREATING new jobs, EXPANDING existing operation, or by RETAINING jobs at an EXISTING operation." COMCOR 20.73.01.04(c). I can't say for certain, but if I.M.P. were to open a venue in Silver Spring, it would be reasonable to assume that it would create new jobs. Certainly, it would expand employment opportunities with an existing Montgomery County operation.
Moreover, "special consideration will be given to private employers whose activities, products, research or services enhance the County's quality of life, or if appropriate, have demonstrated a good record of citizenship." COMCOR 20.73.01.04(k). I.M.P. has been a tax-paying corporate citizen of Maryland for over 20 years. Accordingly, I.M.P. has been promoting shows and improving the quality of life for residents of the state throughout that time and wishes to apply its expertise specifically to an enterprise in Silver Spring. Live Nation doesn't even have offices in the state.
The point is -- whenever this much money is being handed over to a private enterprise by government bodies, there are a lot of i's to dot and t's to cross (and if tax incentives are part of the deal, whew ...) Lawyers sift through this shit and argue until they are blue in the face. Government officials expect that. They do not expect the public to get in their face about it. Elected officials everywhere pee their pants at the thought of having their own regs thrown back at them by constituents with questions about why they didn't do or consider XYZ. Whether or not you feel obligated to advocate specifically for I.M.P. and the 9:30 Club, if you are a Maryland resident, you should want your government to use your money in a way that AT LEAST complies with the black letter law and legislative intent of their own rules. Regardless of what ultimately happens, there is nothing wrong with making them be accountable for at least that.
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tl; dr
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While I am slightly looking forward to the fillmore I dont think its really that big of a deal but then again im just a 17 year old metalhead. I live in silver spring and today I rode by the place and its only 30 minutes away walking distance and like 3 minute driving distance from my house. However I am completly clueless to really what kind of bands will be coming to the place. The place is in a pretty busy area but I'm interested in how their gonna book bands and make parking space. By the looks of the building that has a fillmore sign on it it will be amazing if its even half the size of 930 club. And one thing Ive noticed when I goto concerts in the dc area is that most people come from virginia area and a few from northern maryland. Is someone really gonna drive 20-60 miles to see some concert in silver spring? Time will tell but really 930 club has nothing to worry about unless the owner was really planning to build a club in silver spring. Im sure 930 wont lose much business from this. But if your asking me whether I would rather see my favorite band at the 930 club or the fillmore I got to go with the fillmore but i love the 930 club. 930 club is after all the 1st place Ive gotten to beat up my 1st drunk and Its just a fun place. Not a fun place outside though if anyone heard the news bout last friday, I was there though nothing really affected my night from the incidents.
I will post links to pics I will take of the what fillmore looks like now and understand what I mean bout the place within the next couple of days.
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And as a silver spring resident and regular concert goer I could give 2 flying fucks about that Birchmere in college park. It could all change with the show schedule though.
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Originally posted by Urbansprite:
It is important to remember that this is just the beginning of the process.
a tip o' the hat for your rambling, mostly incoherent legal memorandum ... i hope you were able to bill that to some poor unsuspecting soul
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Go Seth! (http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/stories/2007/11/05/daily18.html?jst=b_ln_hl)
Owner of 9:30 Club ready to battle Live Nation over Silver Spring night spot
The owner of the 9:30 Club, Seth Hurwitz, sent a letter Nov. 5 to Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett laying out an aggressive plan for operating a concert facility in Silver Spring and describing why his company should be chosen over competitor Live Nation.
(follow the link for the rest)
Found via
Silver Spring, Singular (http://silverspringsingular.blogspot.com/)
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Ike doesn't sound like he wants to play ball. I may regret voting for that dude.
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Ditto.
Originally posted by dfmcpete:
Ike doesn't sound like he wants to play ball. I may regret voting for that dude.
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You can see the side by side comparison @ Silver Spring Scene. (http://www.silverspringscene.com/blog/2007/11/06/930-club-owner-serious-about-silver-spring-counter-offer-enticing-to-countystate-costs/) Who do you think is offering a better deal??!!!
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First off - Silver Spring has a "scene"?
Secondly, that's a helluva proposal.
Nice counter grasshopper.
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I guess I have a problem figuring out when or if a deal has been made. And if there was an opportunity for all to make proposals. And if there was a deadline. And if the community had a say in the matter. Perhaps this is just BAU for local government.
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lmao silver spring has no seen...maybe gangs lol...but for some reaon people think its gonna be a hotspot
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From the Post story here are some of the milestoness
"
In late July, the county ended negotiations with the owners of the Alexandria-based Birchmere Music Hall. The administration of former county executive Douglas M. Duncan had approached the Birchmere in 2002 about opening a second venue in Silver Spring, and Duncan announced a tentative deal last year. But the county and the Birchmere ultimately could not agree over what Leggett described as "a host of critical issues." "
Live Nation was approached when negotiations with the Birchmere began to break down. Live Nation was spun off in 2005 from Clear Channel Communications, which (under the name SFX) acquired many concert production companies around the country, including Alexandria-based Cellar Door in 1999.
On Monday, Seth Hurwitz, head of Bethesda-based IMP, which owns the 9:30 club (the nation's busiest in terms of ticket sales) and operates Merriweather Post Pavilion, sent a letter to Leggett expressing his "sincere interest in the proposed music facility in Silver Spring." Hurwitz said he had held off, hoping the county and the Birchmere "would all get back to the table because it's probably what belongs there. . . . As a lifelong Montgomery County resident, and with 28 years of experience in the music business, I would have liked to be considered for this opportunity."
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So basically in a two month period no one from the county thought to approach anyone other than Live Nation and critical problems with the Birchmere plan are suddenly addressed.
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have a feeling that this will probably work out like the recher theatre in towson... check out this site www.livemusicss.com (http://www.livemusicss.com)
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well maybe not probably but I think thats its potential...
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If you live in Montgomery County, e-mail Ike Leggett and the County Council Members with your thoughts! Silver Spring deserves more than a generic chain nightclub.
Isiah Leggett (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/govtmpl.asp?url=/content/exec/welcome.asp) - e-mail: ocemail@montgomerycountymd.gov
Phil Andrews (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/content/council/mem/andrews_p/index.asp) - e-mail: councilmember.andrews@montgomerycountymd.gov
Roger Berliner (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/content/council/mem/Berliner/index.asp) - e-mail: councilmember.berliner@montgomerycountymd.gov
Marc Elrich - At-Large (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/content/council/mem/Elrich/index.asp) - e-mail: councilmember.elrich@montgomerycountymd.gov
Valerie Ervin (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/content/council/mem/Ervin/index.asp) - e-mail: councilmember.ervin@montgomerycountymd.gov
Nancy Floreen - At-Large (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/Content/council/mem/floreen_n/index.asp) - e-mail: councilmember.floreen@montgomerycountymd.gov
Michael Knapp - Council Vice President (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/Content/council/mem/knapp_m/index.asp) - e-mail: councilmember.knapp@montgomerycountymd.gov
George Leventhal - At-Large (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/Content/council/mem/leventhal_g/index.asp) - e-mail: councilmember.leventhal@montgomerycountymd.gov
Marilyn Praisner - Council President (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/Content/council/mem/praisner_m/index.asp) - e-mail: councilmember.praisner@montgomerycountymd.gov
Duchy Trachtenburg - At Large (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/csltmpl.asp?url=/content/council/mem/Trachtenberg/index.asp) - councilmember.trachtenberg@montgomerycountymd.gov
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Perhaps this is just BAU for local government.
It is consistent with what happened a block over on Ellsworth, where they spent like $100 Mill in public funding to redevelop it just to hand it over to corporate chains.
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Silver Spring??s Citizens Advisory Board (http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgtmpl.asp?url=/Content/RSC/SilSprng/BoardsCommittees/citizenadvisoryboard.asp) meets at the Gwendolyn Coffield Center (2450 Lyttonsville Rd (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2450+Lyttonsville+Rd,+Silver+Spring,+MD+20910,+USA&ie=UTF8&ll=38.998642,-77.053385&spn=0.008088,0.014076&z=16&iwloc=addr&om=1)) from 7pm to 9pm. This event is open to the public, so if you live in the area, please come!