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!
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.