In July 2003, the Rouse Co.?s general manager of Columbia famously said that trying to make concert venue Merriweather Post Pavilion profitable was like “trying to sell ice cubes in the middle of winter.”
After such public statements, many Columbia citizens feared the historic concert site would be shut down forever.
But Seth Hurwitz, whose company, IMP Inc., has been operating the pavilion since October 2003 has had a much different experience.
IMP has turned a profit every year since taking over control of Merriweather, Hurwitz said in a recent interview with The Examiner.
“We?ve made money every year we?ve had it,” Hurwitz said. “It?s not even close to say that it?s not profitable.”
Hurwitz will take that message to the people at 7 p.m. Sept. 25, when he and Doug Godine, General Growth Properties? new general manager of Columbia, will present a status report on the facility.
Howard County Executive James Robey called for the meeting with Hurwitz, Godine and the members of the county?s Citizen Advisory Panel on Merriweather Post Pavilion to get an update on the venue?s performance.
“We?ve always believed that Merriweather plays an important role in our community as a venue for the arts and a place for people to gather and enjoy live performances,” Robey said in a statement. “It?s time for a status report on the progress that is being made as we move forward to make Merriweather an even greater regional attraction.”
The Citizen Advisory Panel on Merriweather Post Pavilion has called for Merriweather to remain an outdoor concert venue; for General Growth Properties, the pavilion?s new owner, to sign a long-term contract with an operator; and for substantial renovations to the facility.
Ian Kennedy, president of Save Merriweather, an activist group that fought Rouse Co. plans to downgrade Merriweather, said he intends to attend the meeting.
“Our primary concern is there is still no long-term protection for Merriweather,” Kennedy said. “We haven?t seen a long-term contract for IMP productions, which I think would be a good idea.”
IMP has done an excellent job of attracting major acts to the pavilion, including the HFStival, Kennedy said.
“They?re getting more shows and better shows,” he said. “It seems like they?re interested in trying to expand the choices people have for concerts.”
Merriweather Post Pavilion opened in 1967 and has hosted concerts with such acts as The Who, Jimi Hendrix, Pearl Jam and Madonna.
Clear Channel Entertainment operated the pavilion from 2000 until 2003.
If you go
» The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 25, in the Gateway Building, located on 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia.
