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HomeMy WebLinkAbout8.4 Winter Concert Series CITY OF DUBLIN HERITAGE AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION -- AGENDA STATEMENT MEETING DATE:March 10,2005 SUBJECT: Winter Concert Series ATTACHMENTS: None RECOMMENDATION: Receive report and provide direction to Staff FINANCIAL STATEMENT: None DESCRIPTION: Staff is interested in hearing the Commission's opinions on the recently completed Winter Concert Series. This was the first year that the City offered this type of program, and Staff welcomes constructive criticism and new ideas as we head into the second year of programming. The following is a re-cap of the Winter Concert Series program elements this year. In FY 2004-2005, The Heritage and Cultural Arts Division of Parks'and Community Services introduced a new concert series at Old St. Raymond's Church. The purpose of the Winter Concert Series was to offer additional performing arts programs as a balance to the Summer Concert Series and to also showcase the Heritage Center and Old Saint Raymond's Church to the general public. Four concerts were planned each month from November through February. The budget for the series entertainment was $2,000. Admission was charged to offset most of the direct cost for the program. The concerts were general admission, $10 for adults and$5 for children,with tickets sold at the door. The Church seats approximately 100.people. The following is a financial re-cap of the 4 concerts: Date Act Income Expense Nov. 12, 2004 Guitarist Jim Earp 400 450 December 12, 2004 Bay Bells 425 500 January 8, 2005 What's Up Big Ban 500 500 February 12, 2005 Gordy Ohliger Banjo-ology 665 650 1990 2100 Net cost to City of Dublin $110 The concerts were advertised in the Tri-Valley Herald with two large display ads published in November and January and two individual concert ads published the week before each event. Two thousand postcards were also distributed throughout the season. Press releases were also sent out before each concert. All of the concerts selected contained"heritage" music from a broad range of historic periods, styles and instruments. The solo artists — Jim Earp (Guitarist) and Gordy Ohliger (Banjo) included an educational COPIES TO: ITEM NO. 8A G:\HERITAGE COMMISSION\AGENDA STMTS\2005\3-10 Winter Concert Series.doc component to their playing. Both gave historical facts and amusing anecdotes throughout their performances that was very well received. "Bay Bells" was a fifteen person handbell group. The bells themselves, ancient European instruments provided a rich historical texture. The historic church provided the perfect setting for the classic holiday tunes. Toward the end of the concert, the performers engaged the audience and provided sheet music, allowing the audience to practice with the real bells and also sing carols. "What's Up Big Band" was an eighteen piece 1940's style big band that played classic swing and jazz. The audience enthusiastically-participated with clapping and some danced in the aisles. All of the concerts attracted a multigenerational audience. Public feedback from attendees was very positive. Many commented that they would like future concerts to continue with the educational and interactive elements. Constructive comments from attendees were that the Big Band" might be too loud for the facility and that the Pews were uncomfortable. The Dublin Historical Preservation Association noted this at their last meeting, and has voted to purchase cushions which will be delivered within 90 days, at a cost of$1,500. Some preliminary ideas for the 2005-06 Winter Concert Series that Staff are developing include: • A Halloween theme-based event with music,where attendees dress up in costume. • A scaled down version of a holiday play,with an actors/audience dialogue at the conclusion. • Another folk music/storyteller entertainer. To better prepare for larger audiences, Staff will be offering advanced ticket sales for the 2005-06 Winter Concert Series. • RECOMMENDATION: It is the recommendation of Staff that-the Commission receive the report and provide direction to Staff.