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Thoughts On Three Stages/harris Center Atmosphere/policies


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#16 Rich_T

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 11:29 AM

Once again the People/city of Folsom is shooting its self in the foot.  We want people to stay and spend $$ in Folsom( we need it) yet again we complain  and in some cases whine  “forcing” people out of town to enjoy a night out or events that bring $$ into the City to go elsewhere.  While I agree that Drinking doesn’t make the night nor is appropriate at every event here are some facts.  If we want “big Name” entertainment, Beer and wine sales pays the bills. I have work all over the bay area for Concert promoters as Medical/Security for many years.  Sales of ticket s,food, beer and wine sales pay for Security, Police and Fire as well as other staffing costs.  Many acts are sponsored buy beer companies. Many acts have it in their rider (Contract) they get a small cut of all sales. The problems we had with drunks where often limited to a very few people. Most issues are handled onsite. off site DUIs,crashes and fights where rare. The Impact on traffic is limited to approx 30 mins after the show and most shows ended between 1030 and 11PM.   If Folsom doesn’t want to deal with the issues of traffic, crowds, drinking and parking issues then we must shut down the Rodeo (tons of drinking there) concert in the park, Folsom live and many other Sutter street events.  Remember sales = tax money for the City! Both the cities of Concord and Mountain View own the Venue and are making $$$. I don’t mind being delayed a few mins by traffic if the city can attract events that improve the quality of live here. We seem close roads for every type of run or bike race here in the Empire Ranch.  If we don’t do it, many other Cities would love to have this $$$

 

I'm not sure what you are saying:  do you want the Harris Center (800 seats) to become a venue for big name touring acts, while keeping ticket prices low by generating alcohol revenue?  If so, I don't think it's viable, and nor is it the charter of the venue. *

 

Otherwise these are the relevant questions:

 

Are the Harris Center events well attended, i.e. are people willing to pay ticket prices? 

 

Would more people attend if alcohol were available?

 

 

* Side note:  I actually inquired last year about putting on a big-name show at the Harris Center, but the economics could not possibly work.  The ticket prices would have had to be well over $200, yet the target audience would have been teens and college students who couldn't afford it.  So I abandoned my idea.



#17 femmesavante

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 11:53 AM

I agree with everyone else that the place does have a sort of "stuffy" atmosphere.  I have been to more than a handful of shows there of all kinds and agree that the audience is just not very responsive (unless we are talking about an EDMT show on bargain night where one cast is there to support another cast and cheers loudly after each musical performance).  I went through the usher training, so many of the shows I am working as an usher, but there have been a few that we bought tickets to or saw through their homeschool program.  I ushered two of the CAKE shows and would have to say they had the liveliest audiences!  Actually, per the band's request, patrons were actually allowed to dance in the wings of the theatre, although there were maybe only a total of twenty people dancing.  There was no alcohol served but there were plenty of drunks - and lots of people brought in their own drinks - which were left on the theatre floor after the show.  Most of the shows I have seen have not had a full audience.  The three offhand that did sell out were CAKE, The Adams Family, and Irish Christmas.  Oh, Jason Alexander was well attended and I heard Kenny Loggins sold out all of his shows.  Cake, Adams, Jason and Loggins tickets were not cheap (upwards of $50).

 

As for alcohol, I do think it would generate sales, but I agree with others that I personally don't think it's necessary to have it there.  Like others, I am apt to have a drink before or after a show if I desire it. 

 

I think some of the stuffiness comes from the policies that are in place as well as the overall attitude of the ushers.  For instance they are very strict about not allowing any food or drink (besides water) in the theatre.  I can't tell you how many times I have seen someone have to throw out half a soda or treat because it took them 10 minutes to get through the concession line which in turn gave them no time to finish what they bought before the show resumed.  (They are offered to put it in coat check for after the show, but really... who does that??)  The dress code mentioned above is not as strict as another poster suggested...  I often wear a skirt with black tights, and my white button down shirt is only a 3/4 sleeve (Oh the horror!) and I have never been told I need to change it.  However, I did get "in trouble" once for pointing to a seat with my index finger instead of my whole hand as is stated in training!  :lmaosmiley:




#18 4thgenFolsomite

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 12:28 PM

I think people in Folsom are polite and its a small venue so everyone sees each other.  So you are less likely to hoot and holler like at a stadium.  That said, when Kenny Loggins started (AWESOME show!), they commented, "wow, you guys are quiet!  you are actually listening to us!  We were playing at a casino yesterday and they were all drunk and talking to each other and didn't know we were on stage."  That said, by the time a few good Loggins songs were played, that audience was on its feet and loud!!  it was just great.  I saw Clint Black on Saturday and the audience was hooting and hollering before he even came on stage.  Cowboy hats in the audience.  I seem to recall the same for Merle Haggard last year.  Lively crowd. 

 

I love Three Stages and my friends who come with me absolutely love it too.  We love the venue so much we actually search through the program seeing what we want to go to next.  We are LUCKY its here and we should give thanks every day to the hard working visionaries who conceived of it being in Folsom in the first place and worked for years to make it a reality.


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#19 Steve Heard

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 12:44 PM

I’m not sure if the people attending are new to live performances and don’t know it’s appropriate to show appreciation (clap and make a little noise) after a solo. I have seen performers work really hard (recently Clannad and before that Steve Tyrell) to get audience participation without much luck. Brandon Marsalis and Savion Glover were amazing and the audience was silent until the end of the show when they did applaud loudly. It’s odd – rarely do I see anyone look like they are actually enjoying or “getting into” the music – which makes those of us who do feel a little self-conscious. I would think it’s frustrating for the performers to have such a “polite” audience.

 

It feels more like a movie theater to me. Although I’m not sure alcohol is the answer or would help. Maybe a bus trip to Yoshi's to see how its done?

 

That's what I'm talking about! I am a music lover and have been all over the region and some out of state venues to see everything from classical, rock, country, r&b, reggae and my favorite, jazz. 

 

The crowd at Harris Center seems unwilling to engage, or are unaware that it is allowed.

 

At the Grace Kelly show the other night, she asked the audience to participate by repeating some ooh-oohs until the end, me and my friend seemed to be the only ones willing to do so. 

 

I don't know if alcohol is the answer, but it may be part of it. Another might be to have the announcer or emcee warm up the crowd or tell them that it's not only okay to applaud but that they really should to show appreciation.

 

Eliane Elias, who in addition to being amazingly talented, is charming and beautiful, and at many of her shows, she steps out from behind the piano to sing and dance a little samba. It ALWAYS elicits applause, whistles, and often a few cat calls...except at Harris Center. It's as if they didn't know what was going on. 

 

 

I don't like the name change either, but oh well.  I don't really get an opinion because I've only been there twice, and it was because I knew someone in the performances.  I don't even like to drop $20 on concerts these days, let alone $40 or $60.

 

My uninformed take is that it's a "public television" kind of crowd, who watch concerts as "art", and saves polite applause for the end, as opposed to other venues which are typical jazz or pop concert environments with the crowd being a part of it.  The center has so many types of "cultural" performances that perhaps the same vibe persists during what would normally be festival-style concerts.  The artists are probably being "appreciated" rather than "celebrated" during the show.

 

Or maybe I'm wrong.

 

I wonder how many are subscription or multi-event patrons. My take is that it is more often a subs

 

 

Once again the People/city of Folsom is shooting its self in the foot.  We want people to stay and spend $$ in Folsom( we need it) yet again we complain  and in some cases whine  “forcing” people out of town to enjoy a night out or events that bring $$ into the City to go elsewhere.  While I agree that Drinking doesn’t make the night nor is appropriate at every event here are some facts.  If we want “big Name” entertainment, Beer and wine sales pays the bills. I have work all over the bay area for Concert promoters as Medical/Security for many years.  Sales of ticket s,food, beer and wine sales pay for Security, Police and Fire as well as other staffing costs.  Many acts are sponsored buy beer companies. Many acts have it in their rider (Contract) they get a small cut of all sales. The problems we had with drunks where often limited to a very few people. Most issues are handled onsite. off site DUIs,crashes and fights where rare. The Impact on traffic is limited to approx 30 mins after the show and most shows ended between 1030 and 11PM.   If Folsom doesn’t want to deal with the issues of traffic, crowds, drinking and parking issues then we must shut down the Rodeo (tons of drinking there) concert in the park, Folsom live and many other Sutter street events.  Remember sales = tax money for the City! Both the cities of Concord and Mountain View own the Venue and are making $$$. I don’t mind being delayed a few mins by traffic if the city can attract events that improve the quality of live here. We seem close roads for every type of run or bike race here in the Empire Ranch.  If we don’t do it, many other Cities would love to have this $$$

 

Indeed.

 

I'd much rather have people toss one back before the show AT the theater than to have drinks at home then hit the road.

 

Not everyone who attends the concerts are from Folsom.

 

 

I'm not sure what you are saying:  do you want the Harris Center (800 seats) to become a venue for big name touring acts, while keeping ticket prices low by generating alcohol revenue?  If so, I don't think it's viable, and nor is it the charter of the venue. *

 

Otherwise these are the relevant questions:

 

Are the Harris Center events well attended, i.e. are people willing to pay ticket prices? 

 

Would more people attend if alcohol were available?

 

It is often pricier than other places, but I am willing to pay for the convenience of seeing my favorites here in Folsom rather than in Sac, Tahoe, Davis or the Bay Area.

 

I think that some people do skip shows because of the stuffy atmosphere and the lack of alcohol.

 

Grace Kelly is a good example. She is not well-known outside of the jazz world, but is an amazing musician, song-writer, singer and has a great personality.

 

30 people showed up.

 

If we want people to try something new, give them an enjoyable overall experience. It starts at the front door.  

 

I agree with everyone else that the place does have a sort of "stuffy" atmosphere.  I went through the usher training, so many of the shows I am working as an usher, but there have been a few that we bought tickets to or saw through their homeschool program.  I ushered two of the CAKE shows and would have to say they had the liveliest audiences!  Actually, per the band's request, patrons were actually allowed to dance in the wings of the theatre, although there were maybe only a total of twenty people dancing.  There was no alcohol served but there were plenty of drunks - and lots of people brought in their own drinks - which were left on the theatre floor after the show.  Most of the shows I have seen have not had a full audience.  The three offhand that did sell out were CAKE, The Adams Family, and Irish Christmas.  Oh, Jason Alexander was well attended and I heard Kenny Loggins sold out all of his shows.  Cake, Adams, Jason and Loggins tickets were not cheap (upwards of $50).

 

As for alcohol, I do think it would generate sales, but I agree with others that I personally don't think it's necessary to have it there.  Like others, I am apt to have a drink before or after a show if I desire it. 

 

I think some of the stuffiness comes from the policies that are in place as well as the overall attitude of the ushers.  For instance they are very strict about not allowing any food or drink (besides water) in the theatre.  I can't tell you how many times I have seen someone have to throw out half a soda or treat because it took them 10 minutes to get through the concession line which in turn gave them no time to finish what they bought before the show resumed.  (They are offered to put it in coat check for after the show, but really... who does that??)  The dress code mentioned above is not as strict as another poster suggested...  I often wear a skirt with black tights, and my white button down shirt is only a 3/4 sleeve (Oh the horror!) and I have never been told I need to change it.  However, I did get "in trouble" once for pointing to a seat with my index finger instead of my whole hand as is stated in training!  :lmaosmiley:

 

One guy complained on Yelp that at the Cake concert they only ALLOWED a few people in the area to dance.

 

As mentioned above, the facility is a regional draw, so people from Sacramento to Placerville and beyond may be coming in and we don't want them drinking up before coming into town.  I don't know if alcohol is 'necessary', but it should be an option if adults would like to have one.

 

Think about the great theaters and events you've seen concerts at. People come early to socialize, hang out in the crowd, maybe have a drink, and sometimes do the same afterward. 

 

The venue makes money, people buy the performers' merchandise, and feel they've had a complete evening and experience.

 

Instead, I think many feel it's 'enter quietly, take your seat quietly, watch the show quietly, and quickly leave, quietly.'

 

I love the venue, but wish I enjoyed it more. 


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#20 4thgenFolsomite

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 01:16 PM

the guy from three stages who comes out at the beginning always looks very formal and stiff.  maybe they need someone more relaxed to come out and say where the exits are.  and if you think alcohol will make the crowd happy, and the college mission statement allows it, then why not try it? 


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#21 gbfolsom

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 02:43 PM

I work in Los Rios and this has been brought up before. Alcohol is only allowed on our campuses with a special permit. There is not a blanket permit for all performances or events so the paperwork would have to be generated for each performance. I'm not sure how complicated that is since I'm not involved in that end of our business practices.  If it were easy I would think you would see it at performances.  I would imagine it would increase liability insurance as well. We have had receptions at the Harris Center where wine was poured and at the special gala events/fundraisers.  All have required special permits. Another thing that would come along with serving alcohol would be a large increase in police presence which would ultimately be passed on to the consumer purchasing the tickets to pay the officers (which would be overtime in most cases).

 

That being said, I have only gone to a couple of performances because it is pricey.  I saw Chris Isaak in December and it was anything but quiet and tame. It was a very lively crowd and that may have something to do with Chris engaging the audience. It was one of the best concerts I've been to in many years (partially because the sound is so incredible in there)! I love a good concert and I do enjoy a cocktail or two when I normally attend one. For that particular concert we had dinner at Macaroni Grill beforehand and a couple glasses of wine over a leisurely meal. The place was packed with other concert goers which is not the norm for a Tuesday night at Macaroni Grill. I love that the Harris Center is bringing more business to our local restaurants. We tried to get into Back Wine Bar and they were full well ahead of time for that particular evening.

 

We actually talked about the fact that there was no alcohol at the concert.  We decided we didn't even miss it.  No time waiting in lines for a drink and then long restroom lines. I don't think the lack of alcohol took anything away from the experience.  Not everyone can handle their alcohol and it only takes one to ruin a nice experience. Maybe I'm getting old.



#22 Dave Burrell

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 03:17 PM

I think it's perfect as it is - I've attended several concerts there and thoroughly enjoyed the venue.

 

IMO, it doesn't matter to me at all that they don't serve alcohol.  While I enjoy beer, it's not a necessity to enjoy a concert.


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#23 Dave Burrell

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 03:25 PM

 

It's just very surprising as I can't think of another concert venue that doesn't serve alcohol.

 

It increases sales of both tickets and merchandise at the venues, too.

 

If they do ever decide to sell alcohol I hope they don't take the "lets pillage the customer as much as possible approach" like Arco Arena does with the $9-$12 bottle of beer prices.



 

My uninformed take is that it's a "public television" kind of crowd, who watch concerts as "art", and saves polite applause for the end, as opposed to other venues which are typical jazz or pop concert environments with the crowd being a part of it.  The center has so many types of "cultural" performances that perhaps the same vibe persists during what would normally be festival-style concerts.  The artists are probably being "appreciated" rather than "celebrated" during the show.

 

Or maybe I'm wrong.

 

Funny you mention that, the Cake concert I attended last year was recorded for PBS.


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#24 Steve Heard

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 04:16 PM

I think it's perfect as it is - I've attended several concerts there and thoroughly enjoyed the venue.

 

IMO, it doesn't matter to me at all that they don't serve alcohol.  While I enjoy beer, it's not a necessity to enjoy a concert.

 

I want to be clear that it's not just about the alcohol. Patrons, performers, employees and at least one usher have variously called the atmosphere, dull, stiff, stuffy, boring, and now 'the public television crowd'.

 

I live close by and I often go to Land Ocean for a bite and beverage before the show, and I've gone to concerts at other venues without having any alcohol at all.

 

It's just one of the sort of oddities.


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#25 Dave Burrell

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 04:39 PM

 

I want to be clear that it's not just about the alcohol. Patrons, performers, employees and at least one usher have variously called the atmosphere, dull, stiff, stuffy, boring, and now 'the public television crowd'.

 

I live close by and I often go to Land Ocean for a bite and beverage before the show, and I've gone to concerts at other venues without having any alcohol at all.

 

It's just one of the sort of oddities.

 

I agree. I was shocked when I got shhhhh'd at the Cake concert.  WTF people it's a live show, we're supposed to get into it and have fun!  

 

I usually go to Back Wine Bar or Whole Food Bier Garden before I go to the shows  :cheers:


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#26 4thgenFolsomite

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 07:44 PM

 

I agree. I was shocked when I got shhhhh'd at the Cake concert.  WTF people it's a live show, we're supposed to get into it and have fun!  

 

I usually go to Back Wine Bar or Whole Food Bier Garden before I go to the shows  :cheers:

who shhh'd you?  concert goers or ushers?  I mean, dang.  it IS a concert!!  make some noise!


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#27 femmesavante

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Posted 05 March 2014 - 11:52 PM

It wasn't me!!!  :)  I was the usher trying to get into the dance zone without being noticed... lol




#28 Steve Heard

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Posted 06 March 2014 - 10:26 AM

I just think that staff, whether volunteers or not, are providing customer service and they are part of the overall experience.

 

Smiles, energy, and enthusiasm should be encouraged.

 

It's not just about hearing the music, it's about enjoying an evening out.


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#29 Deb aka Resume Lady

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Posted 06 March 2014 - 10:55 AM

My enthusiasm for a show has never depended upon whether the people who greet me smile, have energy, or show enthusiasm themselves. But that's me.

 

I do think audiences here are confused. When they go to classical music concerts they applaud in the wrong places and then realize they shouldn't have. At concerts that encourage enthusiasm and impromptu applause, apparently they don't.

 

I wouldn't mind alcohol being served at classical concerts because overall they have tame audiences. At the other concerts I've been to that have served alcohol I've been irritated by the people who drink to excess. Some think they're part of the show and stand for the whole concert -- dancing and blocking the view of people behind them; if I only wanted to hear the music I could stay at home and listen to it. Even if I wanted to stand as well for the entirety of the concert, which I don't, I'm too short to see over anyone else so again.... I'm essentially just listening. Some dance with their drinks in their hands and spill them on others. I'm all for having a good time and getting into the music, but I am able to do that without alcohol and without ruining the experience for others around me.


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#30 Steve Heard

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Posted 06 March 2014 - 01:00 PM

My enthusiasm for a show has never depended upon whether the people who greet me smile, have energy, or show enthusiasm themselves. But that's me.

 

I do think audiences here are confused. When they go to classical music concerts they applaud in the wrong places and then realize they shouldn't have. At concerts that encourage enthusiasm and impromptu applause, apparently they don't.

 

I wouldn't mind alcohol being served at classical concerts because overall they have tame audiences. At the other concerts I've been to that have served alcohol I've been irritated by the people who drink to excess. Some think they're part of the show and stand for the whole concert -- dancing and blocking the view of people behind them; if I only wanted to hear the music I could stay at home and listen to it. Even if I wanted to stand as well for the entirety of the concert, which I don't, I'm too short to see over anyone else so again.... I'm essentially just listening. Some dance with their drinks in their hands and spill them on others. I'm all for having a good time and getting into the music, but I am able to do that without alcohol and without ruining the experience for others around me.

 

Whether at a retail shop, a restaurant, or concert hall, a pleasant staff can set the tone for the evening.

 

A restaurant and a retailer I worked for as a youngster each had signs posted in the break rooms saying, 'Anyone not fired with enthusiasm will be!' .

 

I'm not suggesting firing, but training.

 

When training volunteers for events, I always tell them that they are the face of the event. Smile and look like you enjoy it. 

 

As for the booze, I think serving it in the lobby as most venues do is fine. They don't have to bring it into the theater. Opening the bar half an hour before the show and being open during intermission won't allow much time for getting hammered.

 

Jazz fans are tame, too, but I think if they are going to serve alcohol, it would have to be for all events, not just ones where you expect a tamer audience.


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