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Introduction to Music and Entertainment


Thursday
August 3, 2006
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Music and music venues are core elements of a city's vibrancy and contribute directly and indirectly to the local economy. Providing a mechanism for facilitating sociability among residents, music can enhance the quality of life and provide a relief from day-to-day stresses. Music and entertainment is being accessed through increasingly diverse channels, with more and more choices for the consumer to plan their own entertainment.

Panelist

James Keblas
Director
Seattle Mayor's Office of Film and Music
Bio

Jocelyn Kane
Deputy Director
San Francisco Entertainment Commission
BIo

Summary

Recap

  • The nighttime hospitality industry (e.g. bars, taverns, and clubs) attracts a large amount of revenue to cities, however such venues are often unaccepted within their district

  • People are often disturbed by clubs’ constant changes of music selection, name, and design

  • However, these changes are good for neighborhoods, as they invite new investment and excitement to hospitality regions

  • Traditional, smaller establishments have longevity, while cutting edge establishments regularly change to keep up with new trends

  • Individuals who work for nighttime entertainment venues are frequently risk-taking entrepreneurs. They invest in risky neighborhoods, attracting more investment and gradually leading to the revitalization of the whole area. When residential units are developed, the area becomes safe, but then residents force the entertainment venues to leave. The cycle begins again in another risky investment area.

Key Issues:

  • How the government helps and hinders the music industry

  • Why live music is hindered

  • How to access and disseminate information to promoters

  • How to follow up on an economic assessment plan

  • Why the music industry is important for residential and business sectors

  • The value and difficulty of organizing a late night association

  • How to disassociate music from the perception as a ‘nuisance’ activity

  • How to establish long-term relationships with establishments that have short life-spans

  • How to organize an industry/sector that is by nature transient

  • How businesses can be good neighbors so that city residents will not encourage their governments to take action against businesses

  • How to define terminology:
    o Promoters
    o Music
    o Entertainment

Gaps:

  • Few cities acknowledge music as a viable contributor to the economy

  • The transient nature of promoters and their lack of organization makes it difficult to communicate with them

  • Government often becomes over-regulatory and prevents hospitality businesses (especially those catering to nighttime activities) from being able to run their operations profitably

Resources

Download Presentation

Attendee Directory

Seattle, Washington

Seattle Mayor's Office on Film and Music

Executive Summary

Economic Assessment

 
San Francisco, California

Entertainment Commission