Bring the big names, and music fans will come.
To fill seats during a slow economy, concert venues across the Baltimore area are getting creative and pulling in bigger names this summer. Even with gas and food prices rising, Baltimore?s most popular spots for live music are still selling tickets.
“I wouldn?t say that [the industry is] struggling,” said Seth Hurwitz, who organizes large-scale concerts in the Baltimore area. “The economy has certainly had an effect, but the popular shows are doing well.”
Hurwitz, chairman of IMP Productions, runs Merriweather Post Pavilion, owns the 930 Night Club and organizes the Virgin Mobile Festival. Attendance records were comparable to last year?s and the festival ? scheduled for Aug. 9 and 10 at Pimlico ? is expected to be a hit again this year, Hurwitz said.
Online ticket site Stubhub, which recently became the official site for Virgin Fest this summer, reported sales this year have actually increased in the area. Baltimore ticket sales on stubhub.com represent a small part of the market, but so far in 2008, the site?s Baltimore sales have increased 41 percent from the same period in 2007.
“Despite the state of our economy, live music and entertainment remain a priority,” said Stubhub spokeswoman Vanessa Daniele.
The average ticket sale in Baltimore has also jumped from $126 to $171 this year. The Web site caters mostly to headline, mainstream acts.
Jason Walker, marketing director for Rams Head Live and Pier Six, has seen similar trends at his venues.
“When fans have gotten accustomed to seeing a show every summer, they can rationalize not going,” Walker said.
Local venues are also getting more creative with their marketing and promotion to keep the seats filled, Walker said.
“You have to give people another reason to come out now ? the music isn?t enough on its own,” Walker said.
Rams Head and Pier Six have tried to entice fans by offering a more interactive experience with the band, giving concert go-ers chances to meet the band before and after shows.
“Promoters are trying new avenues,” said Jamie Curtis, marketing director at Baltimore?s 1st Mariner Arena. “I don?t think it?s a sign of desperation, but you have to reach out to people in different ways.”
1st Mariner traditionally struggles to compete in the summer against the big outdoor venues, but had a successful June by bringing in acts like Alicia Keys and Lil Wayne. The Jonas Brothers and the American Idol tour will play the arena in August.
The key for promotional companies is simple, Curtis said. Fans will pay to see their favorite acts, so it?s up to the promoters to bring them to Charm City.
“If you bring in good acts, people are going to show up,” Curtis said. “It?s different from a movie, where you could be disappointed in the end.”
Popular shows in Baltimore
Top 5 in Baltimore for 2007
1. Stevie Wonder ? Pier Six
2. Kenny Chesney ? Merriweather Post
3. Rascal Flatts ? 1st Mariner
4. Nickelback ? Merriweather Post
5. Christina Aguilera ? 1st Mariner
Top 5 in Baltimore for 2008
1. Hannah Montana ? 1st Mariner
2. Kenny Chesney ? M & T Bank
3. George Strait ? 1st Mariner
4. James Taylor ? Pier Six
5. Van Halen ? 1st Mariner
Source: StubHub sales data
