NFP readers weigh in on Artpark’s 2007 season

by Joshua Maloni
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, December 9, 2006

Styx at Artpark last August. (photo by Mike Freedman)

More than 250 votes were cast in Niagara Frontier Publications’ recent survey of which bands readers would like to see perform at Artpark next summer as part of “Tuesday in the Park.” The top choices, with a little more than 20 percent of the vote, were Collective Soul and Journey. Duran Duran followed with around 19 percent.

On Thursday, Artpark President George Osborne said Collective Soul was made an offer last summer, but wanted too much money. Since the group had already played three area shows in a short period of time, the bid was rejected.

As for Duran Duran, Osborne said, “We would like them. I think they’d be a huge draw – Journey also.”

“Some of the bands would fit our mold if they were around,” he said.

While Artpark looks first to classic rock and southern rock artists – groups that sell out arenas and fill outdoor amphitheaters – Osborne said, “Obviously we don’t want to have all the concerts be the same. We do try to have some variety.

“The driving force is the size of the bands versus the cost of the band.”

Artpark must weigh a band’s honorarium, or price per appearance, against potential profits. Since the organization is not-for-profit and self-supported – and since concerts pay for free events like Family Weekends – Osborne and company must sign groups with a proven track record of success. Since parking lot fees and food and beverage sales comprise two-thirds of the park’s budget for bands, it’s imperative that acts draw.

For Styx, Artpark not only paid high five-figures for the band, but set up an additional lighting rig, four follow-spots (cameras), a smoke machine and large screen television monitors. That was in addition to feeding the band and its crew three hot meals, providing liquor and staging areas.

“Expenses are crazy,” said Mike Freedman, public relations coordinator.

However, the show merited the cost, as Styx drew a record-breaking 25,000 fans for its two-hour show.

Another challenge for Artpark is that “You’re not working from a pool of every band,” Freedman said. Indeed, artists are pulled from a group that only contains bands touring, touring in such a manner that a stop in Lewiston is feasible, and – generally speaking – touring solo (twin bills raise the rate).

“The whole process is much more difficult than most people think,” Freedman said.

The selection process for next season is already under way.