I just read in the PR that the Insane Clown Posse concert has been canceled.
My first reaction was not surprise, it was actually a smirk while I recalled a similar concert held a couple of years ago by a band called Kottonmouth Kings. That concert, by a band (IMO) whose sole purpose is to promote marijuana use, apparently went off without a hitch. I guess that if a concerned school official would have spoken up about that concert, it may have been canceled as well.
My second reaction, reading further into the story, was a gasp of disbelief as the writer said “groups like ICP, Alice Cooper and even comedian Gallagher tend to require beefed-up security”. Egads. I can understand the concept of the sentence, but do you really think that the level of security required for these three shows is anywhere near equal? I dare say that the Alice Cooper show (yes, I was there) and the Gallagher show could probably have done with the very minimum of security, and those artists apparently don’t raise eyebrows with any of the locals, since their hasn’t been any new laws created due to fear of their content.
Evidently, a local high school principal wrote a letter to the powers that be warning of the content of the ICP show, and that letter may or may not have been instrumental in closing the show down.
My third reaction was approval for this thought provoking line by someone involved with a radio station promoting the event: “Voicing her opinion is the same thing as the artist voicing theirs; I wish we could all see it that way’.
Interesting. How long before someone says that she used her rights to squelch someone else’s? I guess it’s all up to interpretation, but who gets to make that decision?
The article states that “the remedy may be passage of a city ordinance requiring promoters to budget for unexpected costs”. Does that mean the promoter needs to have money on-hand to pay for extra security, or that the promoter is liable if the building burns down? The article also states that this ordinance is in affect in Blackfoot and it has worked well. Last I heard, some sort of red tape effectively closed down the venue in Blackfoot, so I guess that worked well… no concerts, no worries.
Personally, I’m not a fan of ICP, but I do find the politics of this scenario interesting.
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{ 117 comments… read them below or add one }
Great article! About time someone spoke up about the squelching of speech in this town! People should have a right to express themselves!
There is no way this is a security problem! Sure, groups should be responsible and pay for security, obey laws, etc, but if this was just a security issue then I doubt the show would have been canceled. The people in government are too afraid of what they don’t understand.
How would they feel if we canceled their Michael Mcklain concert because of the messages it sends?
It boils down to freedom of speech or the lack thereof. If you really think about it we no longer have any true freedom of speech left in this country and it’s getting worse each and every day.
I find it pretty amusing that the Kottonmouth Kings played just over a month ago at the El Rey in Blackfoot but ICP is banned from playing here in IF. Alice is right, KK does heavily promote pot use and they sing about it in pretty much every song, whereas ICP’s lyrics are more about raunchy sex and partying.
IMO, it’s no different than listening to the radio or watching tv, if you don’t like what’s playing change the channel! Or in this case, don’t go to the concert.
It’s sad that this community is so uptight. From what I understand, the powers to be at the Civic Center wouldn’t allow Alice Cooper to play unless he toned his show down and agreed not to swear during his concert and to basically make it “family friendly”. Alice Cooper family friendly… really? Is this town so uptight and so controlled by the local holy rollers that it’s citizens can’t enjoy a rock, rap or whatever type of concert without a certain group of people throwing a hissy fit?
I don’t want to hear the garbage being spewed out of the mouths of the pastors, preachers and religious leaders of this town but you know what I do, I don’t attend their show. What a concept huh?
I’m not a fan of ICP, but I do feel their freedoms are being trampled on by this city not allowing them to play here.
If I read one more person misinterpreting the “right of free speech” I think I’m going to gouge my eyes out with a spoon.
The government is not responsible for the shutting down of the ICP concert. The concert promoter is.
That’s not squelching of free speech. That’s a smart marketing person doing his job.
Sheesh, people, did NONE of you take a civics class in high school?
I’m a big Alice Cooper fan (surprise) and his shows have never had swearing (at least since the 80’s). This last show had as much death and destruction as they always have, so if he had to have any sort of “agreement” it’s news to me. He even dies 4 times in this one instead of just 1!
The difference is that Alice is more “halloween kitsch” and everyone knows that. He doesn’t promote violence, he promotes good spirited halloween-type horror.
Evidently, the powers that be in Idaho Falls believe that allowing this ICP concert will promote violence in a real way.
“It boils down to freedom of speech or the lack thereof. If you really think about it we no longer have any true freedom of speech left in this country and it’s getting worse each and every day.”
Um….no it doesn’t. It boils down to a concert promoter realizing Idaho Falls probably isn’t the smartest place to hold a concert of this nature. It’s marketing and sales, and nothing more.
No one’s freedoms are being denied, people. No one is saying the ICP can’t sing in Idaho Falls. The promoter of the concert is saying he doesn’t think it’s a smart business move, given the nature of the community, to hold the event.
78’s Response to Post Register Article on ICP
Sharon,
This is Ryan Thueson Owner of 78 Productions (Concert Promotion Company). I wanted to share a concern with you about the article in the Post Register today Nov.5th. You are quoted saying
“Groups like ICP, Alice Cooper, Gallagher tend to require beefed-up security, you said, mainly to prevent injuries to concert-goers and damage to venues.”
Security should be in place at all public events period, not just groups like the ones listed, furthermore to say that this is one of the reasons for this show to be canceled is totally incorrect. We also have to carry insurance on the event to protect the people and the venue. My company insures 2 to 4 Million per event and i know Red Tie does as well.
You say that it is not an “Wholesomeness Issue it comes down to safety”
I don’t believe that for a minute that is just a cover. Your telling me that if Shalene French would not have said anything the safety of the event would have been such a serious issue the show would have been canceled? Events like this happen every day all across the world. If you are not a fan of something don’t go, and if your kids are not at the age to make there own choice don’t let them go! Just as you and the other people opposing this have that right, Adam also has the right to do events with out being shunned for it and the people that want to attend events should not have there rights taken from them because of a few people with opinions.
You are also quoted saying
“The remedy, may be passage of a city ordinance requiring promoters to budget for unexpected costs.” And goes on to quote Blackfoot police LT. Scott Gay
“Before we would rack up over time putting or officers on these private events we didn’t know about. Gay said “We wouldn’t throw any other business an extra $1000 so that’s part of the reason for the ordinance”
I don’t understand your remedy idea? Are you saying that the Police are working the events at the city’s expense? You should maybe do a little research. I always budget for security and every event i have done included the Idaho Falls Police department and i PAID the officers to be there, they were not on over time or providing me with a free service. Also i want to mention they are some of the greatest people i have ever worked with, hands down the best department to do business with in Idaho Falls.
This is my biggest concern you make it sound like Concert Promoters are getting all this FREE service from the city of Idaho Falls and other businesses are not. Completely misleading
The fact is that events like ICP, Alice Cooper, Gallagher and all others bring money to this community not just to the promoters. When i put on the Alice Cooper concert we had 189 people buy tickets from other states, this means i brought money to the Hotels, Restaurants, and local businesses not to mention over $10,000 dollars to local workers and company’s like the IFPD and the city owned Civic Auditorium. If all the people protesting would like our money to go to some other state they should just keep it up because that is exactly what will happen. This is still America and i am tired of people pushing there opinions on to others.
I am not affiliated at all with Red Tie Concerts or Adam James, I just don’t like that he was pressured by a few in a community to cancel an event and then lame safety excuses are made up to justify it, cant we just tell it like it is?
-Thank you for your time
Ryan Thueson
78 Productions Inc.
(And just for the record even if ask Alice Cooper wouldn’t change his show for anyone period!! I have known him for 10 years+)
let your voices be heard the reason they can do this is because no one stands up!!
Contact Sharon Parry at
sdparry@cableone.net
Idaho Falls Mayor at
mayor@ci.idaho-falls.id.us
That is an good point, and I, for one would be interested in knowing if that is the case before we beat this ‘freedom of speech’ thing to death.
Anyone know the promoter? Can you steer him toward this conversation?
Quote from Adam James Owner Red Tie Concerts from Post Register
“Voicing her opinion is the same thing as the Artist voicing theirs, I wish we could all see it this way, If I had it my way, I would have keep the show together”
the icp show was ultimately canceled by James Adam Slavens due to only selling a couple dozen tickets. HAHAHA!!!
78 Productions, Thanks, I thought that was what I read, too.
ICP has got the be the foulest, raunchiest, most mind numbing excuse for a ‘music group’ that has ever been, and I’m pretty sure the fans are mentally lacking. (Bless their little hearts for the ‘protest’ on the steps of the city council, but get a job!)
Personally, I am glad the show was cancelled, however I do not believe it was right. Everyone knows the show wasn’t cancelled because of security issues or smart marketing decision, it was simply the flexing of religious muscles in this town. Unfortunately, the Mormons have such a stronghold in this community, that they will never stop their fight to keep Idaho Falls sheltered from everything they deem unacceptable.
24 tickets sold with no band security makes the most sense to me. Most acts appearing in Idaho Falls require a base amount guaranteed before they will perform here. That figure ranges from as low as $1200 to as much as $10,000 for the big name acts.
And the performance can be cancelled due to light ticket sales at the discretion of the performers. The promoters put up the security, and they are either lose out on light ticket sales or get a big hunk of the sales, especially if the concert is sold out. That’s the way it works.
Promoters can cancel, if done early enough without losing their security deposit. I’m sure that’s what happened here.
JP, if you don’t think our freedom of speech is being trampled on in this city as well as this country than you’re extremely naive and need to get out of the house more because you’re living a pretty sheltered life.
As for the first paragraph of comment 10, just because their music doesn’t suit your taste doesn’t make the people that listen to it “mentally lacking”. I could say the same thing about most country music as well as a ton of rock, punk, rap and pop artists. There’s a lot of garbage being passed off as music these days but that’s the beauty of this country and the freedoms we still have.
Guest, if you think your freedom of speech is being infringed upon because a concert promoter cancels a concert, you’re incredibly misinformed as to what freedoms the Constitution protects and need to get your behind into a basic high school civics class because you obviously don’t understand the first amendment.
Comment 15, I couldn’t agree with you more. There is a ton of garbage out there, but in my opinion ICP takes the cake. Do you know any intelligent ICP fans who contribute anything to society? Because of my line of work, I know a fair amount of people who are fans, and they are all welfare collecting leeches.
JP, spot on with your comments. If y’all want to winge about free speech, do so at the concert promoter. (Go winge here: http://vspconcerts.com/ICP.html). But as JP points out, the first amendment applies only to the US government squelching free speech. It has no holds on private enterprise.
I think this whole thing is a bunch of crap!!!!!!!Just because we have a different opinion and like different types of music such as ICP does not mean we are messed up in the head or anything. I honestly feel that we should not have our music taken away from us. I mean DMX has been here and he is a druggy. We are all different and We all like different things and I like ICP and I think it is bull that the show was cancelled.
Boomer -You have no idea what you are talking about
Big name acts for $10,000 Not hardly try $250k to $500k
And they all require a deposit of 50% Just to get started-which is never refundable unless the Artist go’s into default if a promoter cancels the deposit is gone period
ICP sucks, crab core sucks, emo sucks, trance sucks – but ya know what? They still have fans. This town (East Idaho) is quite the sheltered little spot on the map. The show was probably cancelled because ICP doesn’t have that many fans in this area. Still, we should open up the line of communication between the Christens/Jews/Atheists/Latter Day Saints/ Muslims/Deists/Hindus/Horse Lovers/Gays/Bi’s/Mother Lovers/Everyone and let our voice be heard. There are so many different forms of people out there and letting one form of people run a whole mess load of other types is wrong and quite un-United Statesian. Well, I take that back, hypocrisy is pretty American these days.
Bloop, your link is not working, at least for me. I was hoping it would take me to information that actually tells me what happened and not more theories.
Your comment regarding the first amendment got me thinking: do the constitutionally guaranteed rights apply if it was actually the local government pulling the plug?
Just curious…
I for one would have never considered going to this show, but i don’t believe it should be canceled. It is not like they were going door to door forcing it on people like the Mormon church does. It would have been your choice to go!! What a joke this community is becoming!!
Lets not forget that Adam James, VSP, Red Tie or whatever he is calling himself now days does this ALL THE TIME!! This is the 3rd show he has canceled in the last 6 months. I hope they run this guy out of town for good!!! He is also the DJ at Z 103.3 which i love but i wont listen because he works there!!! Mark my words this guy will change the name of his company again soon to save face…. I just attended the the Alice concert at the Civic and let me tell you i will attend any show 78productions does unbelievable!!! So now that there is a new Promoter in town go ahead and cancel them all Adam we don’t care!!!! l
I feel that ICP has their own meanings, feelings and thoughts in their lyrics as any other band. Every single band promotes different things and will always be powerful in their own way.. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion BUT if u dont like a band, or dont like the music, IT IS YOUR CHOICE TO GO TO THAT CONCERT OR NOT. THeir are other bands that have been here in Idaho Falls that promote drugs, sex, and violence in at LEAST one of their songs…. ICP has LOVE and they CARE for eachother. It is a FAMILY…. the people who like the music BECOME A FAMILY and these stupid “old” complaints are taking this speacial time away from people to be apart of it in their own way…. I know it is canceled now (mistake) but their should be another way they can play close to here… BECAUSE NOW……. They willl never return. THanks to all of the people who do not care for other people.. Bad mistake because there is a riot now. Worse than what ICP would have brought here in ONE BULIDING let alone, rather than around town like i have seen now…. SO Mayor.. THink.
If there really are ‘riots’ you’ve just proven that the people who canceled the concert were right. You just gave them all your power.
Why not prove to them that they were wrong by not resorting to riots and by getting your point across in non-violent ways?
It is a religion thing! Period!!! LSD have to big of a strong hold on this area it is very sad.
I am opposed to drug use and violence, im not a fan of ICP there music is distasteful and lacking of talent. the fact that people even want to see this band is beyond me… HOWEVER IT IS THERE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WHETHER OR NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN SUCH A SHOW… I AM 100% FOR KEEPING ICP, SLIPKNOT, ALICE COOPER, AND OTHER GROUPS AND EVENTS IN OUR HOME TOWN… WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE Protesting at city hall.. now!!!
As far as the comment posted #16 by guest, you are just as bad as the people that started the protest of this concert in the first place. You have no idea what the population of ICP fans and their lifestyles are, I for one have been a follower of ICP since high school, I have a college degree as well of a few of my friends that are big fans as well. Just because you don’t like something doesn’t mean that you have the right to prevent the people that do the privilage of enjoyment. This whole situation is a bunch of crap. This just goes to prove that we are being sheltered by a group that needs to mind their own business and take care of their own problems instead of trying to save the world.
ICP sucks there is no worse group out there and the people that didn’t want the show to happen are stupid! This would be great time for the rest of us to go out and enjoy the town, no scum bags, no welfare collecting fungus it would get all the losers in the same building. How could we ask for more? The city people are crazy to cancel this show they could get 90% of the drugs in this town all in the same building! They would have to rent school buses to take away all the scum bags that show up for this! I cant believe they do not see this as a big opportunity. Come on Idaho Falls City Council lets start thinking!!!
Well….I saw a few of them interviewed on the news tonight. I must ask, do these people have day jobs or productive lives?
Look, any concert that sells 25 tickets deserves to be cancelled – I don’t care if it’s Pink Floyd! Now let’s get on to the more important things happening around the country today….
So, tell me what meanings I’m supposed to get out of this song:
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/icpinsaneclownposse/nightoftheaxe.html
Features shooting cops, killing women and children with an axe. You know. Real innocent stuff. And they’re mighty heavy on the “sentence enhancers,” too. So be warned.
Agree lets not give this crappy band and its fans the satisfaction of being talked about. Discussion over!!!
History repeats itself. Your parents never liked your music, your Grandparents never liked your Parents music, and so on…the cycle keeps spinning.
The PR ran an article this morning that says the mayor said that the promoter cancelled the show, not the city.
I, for one, am glad to hear that, because that means that maybe our town isn’t as constricted as we think it is.
I’m with Amy, support 78 Productions!
There’s a great article and news clip on this at: http://www.localnews8.com/Global/story.asp?S=11454367
See everyone I told you It was Adam James to blame even the Mayor said they didn’t cancel it!! He canceled it and then used the city as his fall out plan! He has done this so many times! Just like he has lowered ticket prices a few days before shows to get extra sales, so the people that supported him early on get screwed!!! Like i said we should not support his shows anymore. The people that had Ice/Hammer tickets have been waiting since JUNE for refunds!!!!! I say send the source a complaint
http://www.redtieconcerts.com
Ok, now I’m confused.
Did the promoter cancel due to low ticket sales or something else directly related to the concert OR did the promoter cancel due to pressure from the unhappy populous?
I have heard that the tickets were low, and then the city contacted and said he would have to have a couple uniformed police to assist his security just to make sure things didn’t get out of hand. I contacted the police department and they said they charge $100/$150 per officer for this kind of event, so say they requested him to have 4 on hand at $600 not to bad? People will protest EVERY thing in fact Alice I’m sure the Alice Cooper show had a few but the difference is the promoter of that show most likely new how to deal with the problems in a professional manner, not just point fingers at the rest of the community.
Alice, it was probably some of both.
But, the bottom line is that the promoter canceled the show, not the city.
The fact that ICP can’t muster up enough ticket sales to hold a concert in this city is not an indictment on Idaho Falls. It’s more an indictment on the band itself. I can’t, for the life of me, understand why people are being so critical of “the community” just because they don’t like a certain raunchy rap/hip-hop group.
Look, you have every right to live here in Eastern Idaho. But if you live here, and expect to have the same type of entertainment culture as places like New York, LA or even Salt Lake, then you’re just living in a dream world.
I can definitely understand canceling due to low ticket sales.
I would, personally, stay as far away from the ICP concert as possible, but I have to say that I’m glad that promoters are dabbling in getting different entertainment options for Idaho Falls. I would like to see maybe more varied comedians and maybe a magician? Chris Angel… mmmm.
My motives are, as you can probably tell, are purely selfish. The more different options the promoters try locally, the better the odds that they will present something of interest to me. With that in mind, I will stand behind their efforts (as long as they are actual efforts) to bring new and different things to Idaho Falls, even if they are things that I personally am not interested in.
Once again, 78 Productions has plans for more shows, and they are trying to keep us entertained, and for that I am grateful. Keep it up!
I have absolutely no problem with ICP as artists.
What I have a problem with is the majority of local fans.
Every fan that I have met that considers themselves a devout fan, otherwise known as “Juggalos” have a completely warped sense of values.
Remember that violent home invasion last April. That’s right, they were Juggalos. The home they invaded was that of a former Juggalo. They were unhappy he left the group.
ICP didn’t make these fans act this way, every individual has to make that choice on their own. Unfortunately, the majority of ICP fans in our community have decided to act as detriments to society.
If you want community support, do something to earn it.
When was the last time you saw any group of “Juggalos” in southeast Idaho doing something to help the community? Food drives? Charity fundraisers? Clothing the homeless?
Oh that’s right, they have better things to do.
Like invade people’s homes and beat innocent people.
My mistake.
Why wont the Promoter make any comments? He could settle this very quickly by just letting the community know the real reason for the cancellation…The news channels have tried to contact with no luck? Here is a idea he will be on Z103 this afternoon everybody that has something to say call the station and ask for Adam maybe that will get a response!!
adam@z103.fm
Watch the video clip on channel 8 news-my favorite is the dirtbag welfare mother who brought her young daughter to the protest. Parenting at it’s finest!
I find some of these comments about “welfare scum” very amusing. You’d be surprised just how many of your neighbors are on welfare and food stamps thanks to this economy, and guess what, it’s only going to get worse. Stop putting all welfare and foodstamp receipients into one big group because whether you want to believe it or not, there are a lot of good hard working people currently on government assistance due to no fault of their own. It’s people like you with your holier than thou attitudes that give this town a bad name.
As for ICP, there are hundreds of lousy musicians in the world today promoting all types of things like hate, drugs, sex, etc. just because you don’t like a certain genre of music, doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be allowed to play in our town. If you don’t like their style of music than don’t listen to it and don’t go to their concerts and don’t let your kids go, it’s as simple as that. But it’s people like you who are too busy trying to control everybody else when you need to be worried about yourself. Get off your high horse I say. Some of these comments coming from a bunch of self righteous holy rollers are pathetic.
There is a protest going on at Riverbend Communications on Lincoln road! Are these people for real do they really think that it matters at this point. It is canceled go home and cry!!!
Welfare scum bags!!
This is exactly why I wish the promoter would simply tell people what happened. If it was actually a case of poor ticket sales, then the fans would know that no one is really at fault and there simply wasn’t enough interest in the area.
I just talked to yet another person who is upset about this whole thing. I really wish the promoter would man-up and tell these people what is really going on (whatever it is) so that these fans would know where to direct their displeasure with the situation.
I can’t see any reason for this information to be hidden unless someone is revelling in all of this negative publicity.
I just watched the channel 8 interview. I cant believe how stupid these people are!! Like the guy that says “Alice Cooper played the Civic and he is know for pissing on crowds” Are you joking me? I have been to about 5 Alice Cooper concerts and he is the most professional artist i have ever seen unfortunately i missed the show here last month. He has been doing it for 40 years, has a star on Hollywood Blvd, Owns a christian charity, Owns the Cooperstown restaurants, He is a share holder and main spokesman for Calloway Golf, Has a syndicated radio show that is broadcast world wide on over 100 stations, And has played golf with the President Of The United States, and this dumb idiot is comparing him to ICP!!! The reason this show was canceled is because there are only 25 fans they are all protesting at riverbend right now, and are all making them selves look like even bigger dorks every day!!
Solja Boy-Poor ticket sales= Canceled
Ice/Hammer-Poor ticket sales= Canceled
ICP-Poor ticket sales= Canceled
It is not just a coincidence that all of these have poor sales. This guy is not a promoter he just thinks he is. How many Solja Boy/ICE/ICP concert posters have you seen? How many radio ads have you heard? When other Promoters do show i certainly see and hear about it everywhere. This is not the artists this is a poor business man.
James Adam Slavins= Canceled
Visual Sound Productions=Canceled
Red Tie Concerts=On its way out
We will have a new promoter pop up soon mark my words and as long as we keep going to his crappy shows it will never end. I say support all the other Promoters and lets force this guy that cant even show his face out of our town and wallets.
IF IT WAS ONLY TICKET SALES THEN REDTIECONCERTS.COM WOULD HAVE SAID SO ON THERE WEB SITE. GO LOOK. THERE’S NO REASON WHY HE WOULDN’T SAY IT WAS TICKET SALES. I’M A PRODUCTIVE CITIZEN OF THIS STATE AND I’VE BEEN A FAN OF ICP SINCE CARNIVAL OF CARNAGE. I SAW THEM WHEN THEY WERE IN BOISE ON SEPTEMBER 22ND 2009 AND I WITNESSED NO VIOLENCE THE “JUGGALO GANG” IS NOT THE SAME OR EVEN CLOSE TO WHAT A “JUGGALO FAMILY” IS!! BOISE HAD NO VIOLENCE PROBLEMS AT ALL! I HAVE NEVER SEEN SO MUCH LOVE AMONG FANS AS I DID SEPTEMBER 22ND AT THE KNITTING FACTORY. JUGGALOS HAVE A FAMILY LOVE LIKE NO OTHER. AND IT IS THE ONES WHO CHOSE TO BE “GANG” THAT MAKE US ALL LOOK BAD. JUGGALOS ARE A FAMILY NOT A GANG. WE ALL NO WHAT THIS IS ABOUT AND EVEN RED TIE CONCERTS POSTED THE REASON HE CANCELLED “THE PASSIONATE MEMBERS OF THIS COMMUNITY” NOT TICKETS SALES
AMY I AGREE WITH YOU. I DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT RED TIE CONCERT PROMTER AS THESE ARE THE FIRST TICKETS I HAVE EVER BOUGHT FROM THERE.BUT MY BIGGEST POINT IS THAT PEOPLE UNDERSTAND THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN JUGGALO FAMILY AND THE SELF NAMED JUGGALO GANS. ICP ALSO SINGS SONGS ABOUT KILLING SUCH MEN A PEDIFILES WHILE MANY PEOPLE DISAGREE ICP IS ENTITLED TO SING WHATEVER THEY WANT. I FOR ONE THIN PEDIFLES SHOULD BE PUT TO DEATH. AND FOR EVERYONES INFORMATION ICP IS VERY MUCH AGAINST METH AND COCAINE IN MANY OF THEIR SONG S THEY MAKE FUN OF CRACK HEADS. I HAVE HEARD THAT IN PERSON VIOLENT J AND SHAGGY ARE VERY KIND AND GIVING MEN. DON’T LISTEN IF YOU DONT LIKE IT.
Really “Fancy” why don’t you call CD World and ask them how many they sold? I did… and it would look pretty funny to have under 100 people in that building. It has been stated by the Mayor THEY DID NOT CANCEL THIS SHOW NOR DID THE LOCAL SCHOOL TEACHER she just voiced her opinion. Red Tie Concerts canceled and the reason we don’t know because he is hiding under a rock somewhere, Probably scared of “The Big Bad Juggalo’s” In prison the little gangs are called “family’s” to.
SORRY FOR ALL MY SPELLING ERRORS LOL I AM QUITE UPSET I DON’T GET TO SEE THEM AGAIN. THE BOISE CONCERT WAS SO FULL OF POSITIVE ENERGY, YOU HAD TO BE THERE TO FEEL IT I GUESS CAUSE I KNOW YOU OPPOSING PEOPLE WON’T BELIEVE IT. NOW HOW DO I GET REFUNDS FOR MY TICKETS DO I HAVE TO GO ALL THE WAY TO IDAHO FALLS TO GET IT.
MAY THE JUGGALOS FIND GOD.
THEY’RE NOT SORRY IF THEY TRICKED YOU
Fancy- point taken I have no problem with people’s likes. I really don’t even know what the Juggalo’s are about. If you say there are good people involved i take your word.
WHOA AMY I JUST SAID I AGREE WITH YOU. I AM NOT A JUGGALETTE VIOLENTLY OPPOSING THIS SHIT. IT HAS BEEN CANCELLED I ACCEPT THAT. I’LL JUST KEEP GOING TO BOISE EVERY YEAR TO SEE THEM. IF RED TIE CONCERTS SUCKS THEN I LEARNED MY LESSON THE HARD WAY.
this is getting so stupid Juggalo’s, Juggalette’s gangs, Family’s, you are all kidding right? this is just all a big joke? I cant believe you ICP people take this so serious as to make up stupid names for yourselves. this is like a little JR high forum and the cheerleaders are all fighting over who is the most popular. ICP sucks and any other clown oriented idiots please go away!!!!
THE SELF PROCLAIMED JUGALLO GANGS IN PRISON ARE JUST THAT SELF PROCLAIMED. POSTED ON ICP’S SIGHT THEY EVEN SAY THEY DO NOT PROMOTE OR WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITHE THE “GANG” WHO HAS SELF PROCLAIMED THEMSELVES. AND THAT WHILE THERE LYRICS ARE VIOLENT THEY IN NO WAY PROMOTE FANS ACTING UPON THEM. THE “GANGS ARE NOT REAL JUGGALOS IF THEY WERE THEY WOULD KNOW THAT AFTER ALL IT’S MUSIC AND SHOULDN’T BE TAKEN SO LITERALLY. IT IS A FORM OF EXPRESSION. ANY ‘GANG JUGGALO WHO ACTS ON VIOLENCE OF A ICP SONG IS NOT A JUGGALO AS I STATED. ICP’S SONG ARE NOT GENERALLY DIRECTED TOWARDS GENERAL PEOPLE BUT TOWARDS CENSORSHIP,BIGGOTS,RACISTS,RAPISTS,PEDIFILES,WOMEN BEATERS. ESPECIALLY THERE NEW ALBUM BANG POW BOOM. I FEEL THE SAME TOWARDS THESE TYPES OF PEOPLE AS THEY SING ABOUT BUT I DON’T GO KILL THEM. AND AS FOR NAMING OURSELVES FANS. THE GRATEFUL DEAD HAD “DEADHEADS” AND THEY HAD SOME THAT GAVE THEM A BAD NAME. SLIPKNOT HAS “MAGGOTS” AND I’M SURE THE HAVE BAD APPLES TOO. AND I’M SURE OTHER BANDS HAVE THEIRS.
Neal, thanks for the link to the interview. I hope that calms things down a bit.
think about this in prison gangs are separated by race, religion etc. a real juggalo is a non racists not biggoted indiviual. juggalo gangs are a joke. as icp and their juggalo’s are not segrated in anyway we are a family of many colors. real juggalos see no color difference in people.
I’m Adam i have no backbone. I will let anybody tell me what to do with my business because i don’t even know what i am doing!! If you would like to get a band here to this town please don’t contact me because i don’t care what you want, hell i don’t even know what i want. Concert promoting is fun!! Hold on a minute there are some weird looking clowns looking in my window…………………………………………………..
I’d love to see this “positive energy” at their shows. Nothing makes me feel warmer or fuzzier than rapping to such feel good songs as “I Stuck Her With My Wang”, “Southwest Strangla”, and “I Stab People”.
WELL THERE’S NO VIOLENCE AMONG FAMILY I’VE BEEN THERE NOT ONE FIGHT. IT’S [edited for language] MUSIC WHY IS THE OLD LETS BLAME MUSIC THING HAPPENING. PEOPLE CHOOSE TO THEIR ACTIONS NOT THE GROUPS.
News Update!!! Attention all Juggalo’s and Juggalette’s the show is back on it is at the bottom of the snake river!!! It is a strict dress code but at least we get the show!!! No Life Jackets, Snorkels, Scuba Gear other than that anything goes!!! Please tell everyone in your gang or family!!! LETS SELL THIS OUT
While I would not post them as fact, I believe Amy is as close to the mark here as any of you.
I was a Stage / Production Manager for Bill Graham Presents for the better part of 23 years; at one point or another, involved in every aspect of the concert production portion of the company (except for booking).
It goes without saying that the efforts made by Red Tie to book the artist known as ICP would lose from the get-go, attmepting to book such an act in this region of the country. There is simply no market for them here. That is not a judgement, just fact, as the uber-poor ticket sales reflected.
As Amy further pointed out, the advertising/marketing for this show was virtually non-existent. Very little (if any) print media, very little radio coverage, NO FaceBook, NO MySpace, NO Twitter, NO blog entires..anywhere. For a youth-based, contemporary act such like ICP, this is almost a final nail in the coffin.
To be perfectly honest, I think the productive discussion we should all be having here is what we can do to turn IF into a no-brainer, “wallet stop” for more of the mainstream, more well known acts passing from Seattle, Spokane, Boise to SLC and Denver.
There are acts playing at the Paramount or the “Schnitz” in Portland, similar sized halls in Seattle and Spokane who then travel to Denver to play the Fillmore. No reason why we should be able to direct them through IF for a one-nighter at the Civic or the Colonial.
I am hoping Ryan reads this and takes a look at what could be a very real possibility. Otherwise, I am thinking maybe Gregg Perloff at Another Planet Entertainment (and old BGP colleague) in Berkeley can pick up those venues. He’s been branching out into the PNW and I have no doubt he’ll see the opportunity…and seize it.
Hey DJ,
I happen to agree with you on wanting to have more and better entertainment here, just one problem, no events center. Maybe you with all your “biz” connections could get one built.
Thank you DJ! Also I had the opportunity to listen to a interview with Ryan from 78, a couple radio dj’s and a few members of a band back in Feb. and this guy has very big connections in the music community, he not only knows what he is doing, but he knows 100’s of Artists personally. I happen to know he has 3-4 shows planned already for next year as well. I wish i could say i know him personally (and he is HOT)
but i don’t. This i do know- we are very lucky to have him here in Idaho Falls because i believe he and his company will do great things for all of us.
My feelings regarding ICP aside, I know Ryan Thueson personally-he is a stand up guy, and a good businessman. He is nothing but professional, far more than Adam whats-his-name could ever hope to be. Idaho Falls could be a no brainer for stops between shows for big name bands. Hello, I-15? However, WE DO NOT HAVE A REAL VENUE! The Civic? Not a rock concert venue. The Ernst Building? Please, it was a hardware store. The El Rey in Blackfoot has horrible acoustics. Sandy Downs does the job for Summer time, but what about October through June? Remember a few years ago when there was talk of building an ampitheatre, but it was shot down by the voters? That would be fantastic. Let’s bring that idea back to the agenda, and maybe if everyone got of their butt’s and went and voted, we might see some change. Alot of people in Idaho Falls sit around and complain about things, but they’re not willing to do anything about it! I’ve organized several food drives and spearheaded several community projects, and while the turnout was good, it wasn’t nearly what is should have been. Are the citizens of Idaho Falls really that lazy and self centered?
At any rate, this city is severely lacking in culture and entertainment. Whoever has an extra couple million lying around, feel free to build a real venue!
P.S. Any real concert I’ve ever been to has a beer garden. A beer garden is a pretty essential part of a concert. Not only do most concert goers want to knock back a few cold ones, but the production company itself stands to make alot of money from the beer vendor ($5 beers, anyone?). The Civic says ‘NO BEER ALLOWED’ at any of their shows. So, again…not a real venue.
Another point that we need to consider is this. If you want the shows to come here, you have to be willing to buy tickets and go. Support the entertainment scene by participating, not by complaining.
These shows need to be paid for, and the bottom line is that if not enough tickets are sold, the concerts will dwindle.
As far as an events center, anyone that would be spearheading a project of that size is watching the entertainment buzz in the area all of the time. If they see low numbers at shows or canceled shows, that just tells them that the interest is not here, and there won’t be enough financially to justify the center.
I think this will all come about, it will just take time… small shows and baby steps… to bring us to the point where we want to be. It seems that local promoters are trying to do just that, and we need to support the efforts if we want to have more options in the future.
OK…I think the ICP debacle has now been discussed as far as it can go. But I am excited that a number of you have decided to take this discussion on a more productive path, making I.F. a regular stop for medium-sized (third tier) artists.
First, to “Guest”..that I worked in this business for two decades doesn’t mean the people I know will come and build a venue. Fact is, we already have several right here in I.F.
To Lola…Two points I’d like to address.
First, a “real” concert does NOT have to have a beer garden. In fact, most concert venues that sell beer, do so from the concession stands right along with Pepsi and popcorn. Your “beer gardens” are usually found at events like Blues Festivals or more outdoor type of events.
Second, the contention you made that the Civic Center is not a “real” venue is about as wrong as can be. Let me give you a little history…
When live concert production began to become an “industry, the main halls were The Fillmore and Carousel Ballroom (later to become the Fillmore West) in San Francisco, the Fillmore East in NYC, and the Troubador in LA…none of these halls was larger than 2,500 seats.
Here in I.F. we have the Civic Auditorium, which is a monument to coincidence. I say that because it is a virtual exact replica of the Berkeley Community Theater, right down to using band rooms at Berkeley High for artist’s dressing rooms.
At BCT over the years (and it continues to be used today by Live Nation / BGP in the Bay Area) have been shows by Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, Styx (they opened their “Mr. Roboto” / Kilroy Was Here tour there in 1983), KISS, the Tubes, Little River Band, Loggins and Messina, James Taylor, Cheap Trick, Sammy Hagar, Bonnie Raitt, The Grateful Dead, The Clash, The Who, Led Zepplin, Sonic Youth, Oasis and if you are a devotee of the band and read liner notes, you know that Metallica’s “S&M Live” CD was recorded there.
No, what makes a venue a “real” concert hall is NOT whether or not it has a beer garden or access to alcohol at all. The fact is, in the smaller type halls such as the Civic here in IF, I would, as a promoter prefer not to have alcohol available at the more “rock” type events, and the reasoning is simple…
At a show for say, Jackson Browne, the audience is more mature and might perhaps enjoy having a beverage during intermission or before the show starts. It has however, been my experience that people (not all mind you, but enough to be a concern) who want to drink at a show for an artist like Alice or Sammy, or someone like that, tend to cause more problems with over indulgence and you run the risk of ruining the show for everyone.
At the Warfield (in San Francisco) we actually opened a bar downstairs in the old Speakeasy and it was open for people over 21 (yes they were carded). However, drinks could not be taken outside of the bar area and there was a minimum of two drinks per person, then you were cut off. It worked very nicely.
Now, regarding the Ernst Building…
We opened up the Moscone Center in SF with a Veteran’s bebefit show with the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Starship and Country Joe McDonald. Nice show, good crowd. Though larged in acreage, the hall was very much like the Earnst Building…long, flat, not terribly high ceilings.
With some thought, the Earnst could be a fine venue for acts that would draw more than the 1898 seats available in the Civic. But truth be told, promoters booking bands that will draw more than 3,000 are probably going to surmise that people from I.F. would drive to Pocatello or SLC to see them, so why make another stop here?.
And finally, with regards to the idea of an ampitheater…
We have one at Freeman Park, which COULD be used, but again, that would only be available during the summer months and security would be a nightmare.
What I think someone should look at is having larger shows artists filling 7-10,000 seaters at Ravsten Stadium.
I have looked over the venue and it’s doable.
Set the stage up on the south end (FOS about the 10 yd line) with the backstage compound between the fence and the stage. That would give plenty of access for load in/out through the large gate near the auto barn and afford the maximum use of the bleachers for seating.
There is plenty of power available and the portable stage (from U.S. Staging or STL would not harm the field whatsoever). You’d have to tarp the track to protect it (no problem) and because the rear stage area is seperated from the public by a fence, both points of entry could be used to that ingress of the public would be smooth and controlled.
Now the kicker (ina positive way0 for this idea is that, as we all know, District 91 is really hurting for cash right now. I truly believe that, if put to Superintendent Boland and the Board in a professinal and proper manner, they would see this as a wonderful opportunity for additional community involvement as well as an added source of revenue.
Looking forward to hearing what otehr ideas you all might have to bring to the table. Until then…
Cheers!
DJ
I like your idea regarding Ravsten, but I would think that people living around the stadium would have some say on the noise level. If they don’t mind it, I say go for it!
I have no doubt there would be complaints from neighbors.
That is why I suggested the stage face the “north”, as speakers would be facing homes further away, AND they would have that built-in noise barrier that folliage creates at the south end.
We had a similar situation when we built the ampitheater at Cal Expo in Sacramento back in ‘82. But a well delivered PR campaign noting the immense benefits realized by the school district (which are desperately needed, ESPECIALLY in that area of town) and the fact that any show there would be over before sundown would quell the residents at least long enough to get one show there…and once they saw how smooth and professionaly it was run and how much of an inconvenience it really is NOT, I think we’d be off and running.
If I hit the lottery tonight, I’d have shows there this summer. But alas, such will most likely not be the case. I would however, be more than willing to lend any assistance to the parties who do eventually try to make a go of the idea.
I believe, being the social “hub” for sountheastern Idaho and western Wyoming, Idaho Falls could indeed become a regular stop for contemporary entertainment.
LOLA HAS A GOOD POINT WHEN I SAW ICP IN BOISE THERE WAS A FULL BAR..( AND STILL NO VIOLENCE.) AS FOR NOT THE JUGGALOS IN THIS AREA I’M NOT SURE I AGREE I KNOW ALOT WHO WERE COMING FROM POCATELLO AND TWINFALLS. BUT I CAN HANDLE JUST GOING TO BOISE EVERY YEAR TO SEE THE WICKED CLOWNS! NO BIG DEAL. I KNOW ALOT OF JUGGALO’S WENT TO BOISE TOO BECAUSE OF AS AMY STATED NO PROMOTION BY RED TIE SO ALOT OF US WENT TO BOISE THEN FOUND OUT IT WAS COMING CLOSE TO US. AND LIKE IT OR NOT NOT ALL OF US CAN AFFORD TO GO TWICE. SHIT I BOUGHT MY TICKETS ONLINE I DON’T EVEN GET A REFUND!!!! SO RED TIE CAN KISS MY ASS!!!!!!!!!!!! BOISE BOUND EVERY YEAR I’LL BE! MMFWCL TO YOU ALL
I ALSO AGREE WITH DJ ALCOHOL DOES NOT A GOOD CONCERT MAKE. IT IS NOT NEEDED TO MAKE THE CONCERT FUN. I FOR ONE DO NOT DRINK SO I HAVE FUN ANYWAY. THE PERFORMERS ARE WHAT MAKE IT FUN AND ICP IS FUN WHETHER PEOPLE THINK SO OR NOT. ICP ASIDE I TOO WOULD ALSO GO FOR DJ’S IDEA OF WHERE TO HOLD CONCERTS.
Well, Mr. Bill Graham Presents, you just seem to have all the answers! With all the name dropping you’ve done, step over Ryan!
My reference to a beer garden was meant as having beer available for purchase, whether it’s in the garden or concession format. The Alice Cooper show is the only show I have ever been to (I don’t feel the need to insert band names here) that doesn’t have alcohol available. After the show, and the lights came up, the floor was littered with mini liquor bottles, and the parking lot outside was full of discarded beer cans and bottles. People will drink no matter what. A good promoter knows that it benefits all to have beer available.
While the Civic has over 1800 seats available, when doing a ‘rock’ show they require the promoter to sell far less tickets than that for safety reasons.
The Ernst building cannot be compared to the Moscone center in terms of acoustics and sound quality. Anyone who has been to a show there will tell you the same.
The issue is not having a venue during the warmer months, so why bring Ravsten into it? No doubt neighbors would not let it happen, and even your clever arrangement of speakers and the stage would do next to nothing to help with noise. I live 5 blocks away from there, and when games are played there, I hear it like it were in my backyard. On clear nights, this sound can be heard even further away.
The old Rio theatre on Broadway could be an excellent venue. It’s downtown, so it would bring business to the surrounding bars and restaurants, and it would no doubt hold a good sized crowd. With some renovations, it could be dedicated strictly to concerts. There could be some seating, and a large general admission area. I hate to see wonderful old buildings go to waste, and that’s what this one is doing.
I love the Rio idea! If we could just sell the idea to the people with the fundage, that could be a great one!
Lola,
I am sorry if you feel I was “name dropping” simply by listing but a few of the bands who have performed in halls similar to the Civic.
In trying to keep this discussion productive however, I will address however, a few of the points you made so that pepole have accurate information and, hopefully, we can all work together to help maybe open some othe doors and give support to the live entertainment efforts already here in IF.
1. You said, and I quote: “After the show, and the lights came up, the floor was littered with mini liquor bottles, and the parking lot outside was full of discarded beer cans and bottles. People will drink no matter what.”
This makes my point for me exactly. At concerts by the artists you enjoy (Alice Cooper, for instance) the patrons (or at least enough of them for you to have noticed) are the type who are of a mind that it is alright not only bring in alcohol into the venue, but to also leave the remnants behind, indoors as well as out. Were I to promote an Alice show (or other artists of that genre), I would only have alcohol available in a cordoned off area and with a two-drink minimum. You are correct…people will drink no matter what, so there is no reason for me to be providing it to those who obviously don’t have enough respect or maturity to act properly. THAT alcohol will not help.
2. You said, and I quote, “A good promoter knows that it benefits all to have beer available”.
To the contrary my dear, a good, responsible promoter knows that making a few thousand dollars more at a show is not worth the tens of thousands or millions over the long haul he will miss out on by providing alcohol for people who believe that “it’s not a real concert if there is no beer”.
A “good promoter” would just as soon have those people who find it necessary to drink to enjoy a concert not buy a ticket and stay home.
2. You said, and I quote, “While the Civic has over 1800 seats available, when doing a ‘rock’ show they require the promoter to sell far less tickets than that for safety reasons.”
Very much not true. Here is how seating capacities are established for a venue at a particular show.
The IFFD long ago, determined how many person could be allowed into the Civic for a variety of different uses. For entertainment purposes, using the stage with no additions or extensions to it, the capacity is 1898, the number of seats in the building, including the balcony. There is also room for a few (I believe four to 6) spaces for wheelchair access.
Now, when the band is advancing their show with the promoter rep, he tells the promoter if there are any stage extensions needed (that means bringing the stage further out into the “house”). This is a rarity, but if it is necessary, the promoter’s rep determines how many seats that will take from the “capacity” for that particular show.
Also during the advance of the show, the Prod Mgr or Road Mgr will tell the promoter’s rep how much space out in the “house” he will need for the sound and lighting control boards. The promoter’s rep will then determine where those two stations will be and how many seats will be lost.
It is at this point the promoter determines what the capacity for the venue on that particular evening will be, and which and how many tickets will be sold.
In more than 23 years in this business, on every continent except China, I have NEVER had a capacity determined by the “type” of music or presentation was being held. To say otherwise is simply foolish and not true.
Now, what they MAY require, for safety reasons is the complete restriction of alcohol sales, or some designated area and maximum sales allowed. I thin kwe have shown this is probably a good idea.
3. You said, and I quote, “The Ernst building cannot be compared to the Moscone center in terms of acoustics and sound quality. Anyone who has been to a show there will tell you the same.”
While you may be correct, I do not believe you have 1) ever been to a show at Moscone and 2) any idea just “how” you are correct.
The fact of the matter is I have been to shows at both halls and the acoustics at Moscone are not any better than at Ernst. Another fact is that, with sound systems as advanced as they are today and the type of music we’re talking about, any acoustic irregularities that type of presentation might incur are not even worth mentioning.
You said, and I quote, “The issue is not having a venue during the warmer months, so why bring Ravsten into it? ”
Lola, I brought ravsten into it because in post #69, you asked, and I quote, “Remember a few years ago when there was talk of building an ampitheatre, but it was shot down by the voters? That would be fantastic.”
I was merely pointing out that an ampitheater would not be a good use of resources, because we already have a venue that could more than adequately house a 7-10,000 seat artist, and an ampitheater (being an outside venue) would not address getting more entertainment here during the winter months.
I was just pointing out that you WERE talking about adding an outside venue, which, as you so aptly noted, is NOT the issue.
And finally, you stated, and I quote” The old Rio theatre on Broadway could be an excellent venue. It’s downtown, so it would bring business to the surrounding bars and restaurants, and it would no doubt hold a good sized crowd. With some renovations, it could be dedicated strictly to concerts. There could be some seating, and a large general admission area. I hate to see wonderful old buildings go to waste, and that’s what this one is doing.”
I agree, I would hate to see an old building liek that not be used. However…
Forgeting that the Rio would not be able to house anywhere near the capacity the Civic can, or because the building does not have near the power or grid structure for flying light trusses, etc., nor does it have ANY dressing room facilities or nearly enough bathroom facilities…aside from all of those obstacles that would need to be overcome, the fact of the matter is that the Rio was purchased along with the building beside it that HAS been fully renovated and turned into The Destinations Inn, and that those good folks are in the process of renovating the Rio as a hall to be used for wedding receptions and other corporate and private functions, in conjunction with their hotel.
The Alice Cooper show last year at Sandy Downs did serve beer, and as far as I noticed, there were no ill effects. That’s definitely not to say that bad things do not occur, but I do like to see the option when it’s logistically possible. The Civic was the best choice in the cooler weather and it would probably be a bad idea to be selling beer at what is actually a high school. People are always going to sneak something in, it’s human nature to see what you can get away with, so that won’t stop no matter where the concert is held.
I’m glad to hear that the Rio is being refurbished. I, too, like to see the older buildings get used as opposed to simply rotting away.
DJ, I no longer wish to have this lame debate with you. You think I’m a moron, and I think you’re a pompous ass, and you think you know everything. Why don’t we agree to disagree?
I must tell you that my statement about being forced to sell less tickets than capacity came to me straight from Ryan at 78 Productions, but what would he know, right? And as far as the Rio goes, the last I heard (back in August, I believe) is that the Destinations folks ran out of money, and that the Rio was sold. That information came to me from the mouth of an actual, real live real estate investor. But again, what would he know?
And pardon my mistake-when I referred to an ampitheatre, I did not realize that the term refers strictly to an open air venue.
I think we should call (403-2433) and write (440 RAVEN WAY APT B, CHUBBUCK, Idaho 83202) to JAMES ADAM SLAVENS and let him know what we think of his immoral business ethics. You can also email his boss at: Matt@eiradio.com
Lola,
First off, I do NOT think you’re a moron, quite to the contrary. I think you have a passion for having more live entertainment in I.F. and you bring some good ideas to the table.
I AM sorry if you feel that my knowledge in this area makes me sounds like a pompous ass – who knows, maybe it does! But I assure you that I do not know everything. Do I know more about you regarding live concert production? Absolutely. But then you know far more than I do about Idaho Falls, which makes you every bit as important to this discussion as I am.
I do know that some of your statements, like “every promoter knows that selling beer at a concert is good for everyone” was not only incorrect but was not even close to accurate. That is not an opinion of mine, that’s just fact.
That said (and as I explained), there are a number of reasons why Mr. Thueson may not have been able to sell to seating capacity for the Alice show. AC shows often require expanded staging and house board reqs. Or there may have been pyrotechnics, the type of which required the audience to be “x” amount of feet from the stage. Either of these situations may have caused a loss of seats. What I was stating (and perhaps not clearly, for which I apologize) was that, in more than two decades in the bay area and on the road around the world, I have NEVER heard or seen a promoter told to sell less tickets for a “rock” show simply because it was a rock show, and therefore being filled to capacity was a safety issue. Nor do I believe that occurred here.
As for the Rio, I had not heard that. Of course I believe you and I am saddened, because to have that hotel come complete with a staging area would have been a great jewel in the downtown crown. However, regardless of whom owns the Rio, the amount of money needed for the structural and aesthetic renovations necessary to make the venue a going concern for live entertainment would be significant indeed. I don’t see that happening, especially in this economy, but I applaud anyomne who wants to give it a try and would be willing to assit in any way I could.
And finally, no, the term amphitheater does not require it be an outdoor venue. However, the only amphitheater that is NOT an outdoor venue (that I am aware of) would be the Gibson Universal in LA, which was enclosed some years ago and transformed into an indoor venue after some 22 years as one of the premier concert halls in the country.
There’s no debate here Lola, just people with good intentions and differing background and knowledge bases talking together to try and effect positive change in their community.
I hpop you will continue and I am sorry if you felt offended in any way by any of my earlier or future postings. I assure you, that was most certainly not my intention.
Cheers!
DJ
DJ,
I too think you sound like a pompous ass, with all your “facts” and name dropping crap.
Try this for a fact. You are absolutely WRONG when you stated above that “the IFPD long ago set the attendance numbers allowed…….” The IFPD does not and never has had anything to do with setting attendance at any show anywhere! This error on your part makes me question all the rest of your proclaimed wealth of knowledge.
Wow thank you for all the compliments!! It is great to be back here in Eastern Idaho after being gone for 11 years. I received an e-mail asking me to add my thoughts to this discussion. First off Lola and DJ you are both correct about this area, It is right in the middle of the routing for most touring bands which makes booking shows very convenient.
But there is so much more to promoting concerts than routing. In any business the people running it need to do all the research they can to be successful, and that is what we have been doing. I like to do things “hands on” and if you will notice I have tried out most of the venues in Idaho Falls by holding a show in it. Sandy Downs/Old Ernst/Civic Auditorium – This is the only real way to see the advantages and disadvantages to each venue. Also I have looked at the Rio and it will not work, I don’t need to get into them but way to many issues. I will tell you this, although it would be nice to have a new venue and that is my long term goal, we defiantly have enough options for now and I will make them work.
Also i have studied the attendance at all shows and not just mine. This helps in knowing how many people are attending events regardless of the act Rock-Country-Rap-Classical, at this point this town is averaging between 1500/2000 at each of these events. These are good numbers considering the economy at this time. The shows are very rarely selling out so we have some work to do. When the shows start selling closer to capacity we can bring larger acts and create a demand for a new larger venue. If the attendance gets smaller so will the shows.
Also I have looked into Ravisten it will work fine. There are noise limitations but even some indoor venues have this in place. Would people complain? They always do but we deal with it. When we start selling 5000 to 7000 thousand tickets at Sandy Downs Ravisten will most likely be used, as of now there is no need for it.
There are types of music my company will not bring in at this point because there is not a big enough demand and this is a business not a hobby.
The issue about capacity at the Civic Auditorium is strange and I understand why people don’t understand. DJ you are right across the US I have never seen this done before ever and trust me I have been around, but Lola you are 100% correct. For the Alice Cooper show with the PIT the max capacity would have been 1956 -however it is true the Venue makes you hold 200 Balcony seats for any “High Energy Shows” This came about because a engineer was at a show a few years ago and the floor above him was moving as the people were jumping and dancing above. He went to the city and it was put into effect to limit seats, For mellower acts you can sell them all? I for one think this is stupid but I am not a engineer. Regardless we still have a great venue that will hold 1756 people minus a few mid floor for FOH.
The Alcohol issue is something that venues/Promoters deal with across the nation not just here. I like to give my ticket holders as many options as possible at the shows, but here are the issue’s
The reason Alcohol is $4-$5 at the shows is not to take advantage of the public or make large amounts of money, the fact is it is to cover higher costs to produce the show.
1.The insurance rates triple because of the public liability.
2.The City of Idaho Falls requires double the security when Alcohol is available
3. The restroom facility’s MUST be doubled or tripled because it comes out as quick as it is consumed
4. No question there is always a few idiots that cause trouble when drinking and ruin the experience for the others
So after you pay the bill on the Alcohol, the people to sell it, and the three added expenses because it is available you really don’t make a whole lot on it. Also there are certain parents of under age kids that will not let them attend if it is present, so a loss of ticket sales-The other side of that is some will not attend if it is not available so it is a catch 22
I have attended shows in almost every state in the US and there are hundreds of venues that do not sell Alcohol. But they continue to have sold out shows year after year
At the shows where I can sell it I will to give my ticket holders options. However I will also continue to hold shows at the Civic with out Alcohol (The reason we cant sell it at the Civic is because of a federal law that states you must be 400 yards from schools to sell Alcohol) I know that I will lose a few ticket purchasers because of this but as far as I am concerned it will be there loss. The Peppertree is a few blocks up the street you can pre/post drink all you want. I would never let this discourage me from going to a concert and yes I do drink!
I hope this answers a few of your questions, And it is great you are all talking about it enough to actually care.
My goal is to bring you entertainment and the best entertainment possible. I don’t know it all nor do I claim to. I will do my best to try and please all who support me and my shows, but I am not perfect and occasionally there will be problems to work through.
Thank You All
Ryan Thueson
http://www.78productions.com
Guest,
I never said they set the attendance numbers allowed. Nor did I say they had anything to do with setting attendance numbers at any show.
I said that they set the legal capacity for the venue, which they did do, before one paid customer ever stepped into the hall. And the reason the IFFD (and any fire department in the city of a given venue) does this is because legal capacity is determined by the maximum number of persons that may occupy a public room and still have a safe emergency exit of all persons within a specified period of time should an emergency, like a fire or earthquake, occur.
Interesting how you seem to know who does “not” set the legal capacity, but then you didn’t bother to offer the information of whom you believe does. Care to enlighten us?
And just out of curiousity, what names did I drop?
Hoping someone has something productive to offer to this discussion…
DJ
That Productive enough for you?
i have cheeto fingers
You are hilarious DJ. You come out as a know it all and then when someone calls you on it you pull back and go into what I call a manipulative stance and change your wording a little bit so you can still be right. To your credit the true story told by 78 Productions does back you up to a point. By the way, why do you have to be so long winded?
Thank you 78 Productions for setting the record straight with the facts. Now we know what the TRUE limitations are from someone who is truly in the know.
Guest…
If you go back and read the previous entries, you will see I did not change my “wording or stance” one bit. I was simply misquoted and corrected the person who did so.
Why all the sniping and supersillious commentary? Don’t you have anything productive, any good ideas that might be incorporated what we’ve been talking about to add to the discussion?
Any ideas of how else these shows might be marketed to a larger spectrum of people to increase attendance and thereby increase the size of future shows and quality of acts? Ways that might be less expensive, thereby allowing the promoter(s) to use those resources to otherwise enhance the concert expereince?
Rather than bash me, why not add something to the discussion that will help the situation. I am certain everyone would be interested in any postivie suggestions or ideas you might have.
I find it interesting how the guy that has never done a show on his own (sounds like he was just an employee) knows it all. And then the guy that is actually doing the shows is so humble and even goes on to say “I don’t know it all nor do I claim to”. DJ if you are so good at this why do you not do it anymore? From what I have seen people that spend 23 years somewhere and know so much should be valuable to a production company somewhere? Sounds to me like you where just a helping hand like a roadie and never a main player making dissisions.
Oh and after you told Lola so many times she was wrong about the seating limitations–Your wrong
Fan,
You are assuming that I have never produced shows on my own.
“You” said i know it all. I said repeatedly that I do not. No one does.
“I” assume you were good at coloring when you were younger. Why don’t you any more?
For me, the answer to that question is, that to do this (produce live entertainment) on a full time basis, 150-200 or more shows a year, takes its toll on a person and with a family and other interests, it was not a life or lifestyle I wished to lead any longer.
And yes, as Ryan stated, this is the ONLY place he had EVER seen where a hall invoked those seating restrictions for that reason…NOT that it was a “rock” show, but because it was a “high energy show”. I have no problem whatsoever being incorrect about this one venue, and I am glad he cleared that up for you, because it seems that you being right and me being wrong is far more important that moving forward and finding ways to make IF a more frequent stop for touring acts.
To that end…I am interested in this topic and will continue to lend my thoughts and ideas to posts that are about the future of live entertainment in IF.
Those that are directed about me serve absolutely no purpose (other than to give you something to direct your anger and hostility at), and they will be summarily ignored.
Cheers!
DJ
Ok what types of artists would you like to see booked to our area? How can we as public supporters get more people to go out to these shows so they will continue to come thru?
ICP would be great see if we can get them!!
First off, I would say that the prudent course of action would be to book only those acts which we are certain have a strong fan/support base within a 100 mile area.
Based on the shows I have been to, the reports of the shows I haven’t attended, and the demographics and ratings of the local music broadcast stations in that area, I would say those acts in the categories of Classic Rock, Hard Rock, Country, and Pop would be the shows (depending on the artist, of course) that would consistently sell the most tickets.
I did not include rap and hip hop becuase they have shown to NOT be a consistent drawing card in SE Idaho.
As far as what we can do to promote these shows…there are several ideas that both reduce marketing costs and increase a buzz about a given show.
For Youth Oriented Shows:
1. Direct School Marketing. An ad in a school newpapers (high school or college) runs you about 30-80 a week, and hits about 80-90 of your direct demographic market. An ad in the PR will run you $150 – $500 a DAY and if you are lucky, will hit maybe 20-30% of your intended market.
Also, find a large group or organizatoin within a given school and give them four pairs of “comps” to raffle off inside their school. Increases the buzz, gets you, as the promoter, some good community pub for helping the group to raise money, AND, if ou have the funds raised placed into the District 91 Education Foundation and earmarked specifically for that group, your business gets a nice little tax write-off for the effort.
2. The Internet.
The production company and every single show should have it’s own FaceBook, MySpace and Twitter page. For artists appealing to the 14-30 crowd, there is no better, less expensive, time-efficient way to market an event.
3. Booking.
When at all possible, book a local act to play with the touring act coming through town. Helps not only the specific show by adding anadditional fan base to buy tickets, but will also help the local artist by exposing them to a whole other audience that otherwise never would have heard (of) them.
4. Radio Co-Promotions
Work with a radio station that coincides with the demorgaphic of the artist’s fan base and do a one hour Co-Promotion. During this time you can hype the event, play selected music by the artist, and give away a couple of pairs of tix to the show. Always good for buzz and if you can swing it, maybe even work in a 1 or 2 minute call in interview with a member of the artist’s band.
I have some other ideas for more adult-oriented artists, but I need to get ready for church. Post any other ideas you might have…
Cheers!
DJ
I think 80’s Rock always does well here. I would also like to see a little more Country come around.
Rob Zombie is a show I would definitely attend!
US Constitution, First Amendment
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
Section 9, Idaho State Constitution
“FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Every person may freely speak, write and publish on all subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty.”
I can’t find anything in IF city statutes on free speech – but that’s not uncommon, as cities typically recognize basic rights as guaranteed in state and federal constitutions. Only if the issue of a right guaranteed by one of these other documents has come into significant question will a city make sure such rights are clearly outlined locally. It’s generally accepted that in the absence of a city statute on a certain subject – especially those subjects outlined in the Bill of Rights – state and federal (i.e., constitutional) rules and guarantees apply.
The state guarantee is pretty broad as well, and ought to cover “municipal” as well as state attempts to restrict free speech.
I second and third all the comments about DJ’s pompous ass! Get over yourself DJ. If you had half the knowledge you THINK you have about this topic you’d be in the business today. Now go to church and be a good little boy.
Fubar, I completely disagree. DJ in my opinion has a good mind and makes some very valid arguments. I’ve never met the guy (I’m guessing it’s a guy), but although I may not agreem with him all the time, he sure makes some pretty good points. I love reading his thoughts.
On the contrary, you seem to act like a bully in the 6th grade who likes to beat up on anyone who seems smarter than you are. You don’t need to be like that. Try finding points of common interest and where you agree. You’ll come across much better.
I can definitely understand DJ’s want to get away from the business. It may sound glamorous, but any job, done long enough, gets old and exhausting.
Thanks for the comments DJ, I learned a few things! And I heard Rob Zombie mentioned. I saw him in Peoria Illinois about a decade ago. If I had to pick one, it was the best concert I’ve ever been to. He puts on a great show.
Alice…
The only thing glamorous about event production happens on the stage, between 8PM and midnight.
The rest is pure and simple plain hard work by dedicated techs. The people who do the job correctly don’ think about the “glamour”…they’re too damned busy.
I definitely understand. I’ve never been on the production end, but I hauled around band equipment from age 14, and people thought it was all fun and games. It’s just very hard work and long nights, not to mention all of the other drama that goes along with it.
It is exhausting, and I don’t miss it a bit.
DJ, I appreciated your posts in this thread very much. In 10 years, possibly those who scorn you will too….
Reader…
This thread is not about “me”, it’s about the topic at hand, which is discussing ways to help to bring more and higher quality entertainment to Idaho Falls.
Comments directed toward ANY other topic are, by me anyway, sumarily dismissed.
What type of music would YOU like to see perform here in Idaho Falls, and can yo thin kof anything we could do to increase attendance at local shows?
DJ
i think icp would have brought a lot of people from all around to idaho falls. boise, nampa, twin falls… plus the fan base there. if anything, this concert would have been good for your community.
Wickid…
It would be nice if, in the future that might be a possibility.
However, if you talk to any established promoter, they will tell you when projecting the saleability of an artist, the rule of thumb is to make your sales projections from within a 100 miles adius.
And as has been stated in this thread several times, the sales from within that area for ICP was less than fifty…
which is why the show was cancelled.
From a purely business standpoint (and with absolutely no disrespect to ICP or their fans), they made a lot of noise and got their picture in the paper, but there is no tangible fan base here to speak of.
Wickid,
We have enough of the ICP people around here we defiantly don’t want to draw from Boise, Nampa, Twin, all we could ask for is for Boise to hold a show with these untalented idiots and get rid of some of the fans around here. And draw a LOT of people give me a break it was canceled a week before the show because of Horrible ticket sales you can go to Pollstar.com and see the BIG crowds this band draws! The average show they draw 600 people they are no better than a local bar band as far as bringing people in and the local bar bands are far superior to this wast of time.
My son just went to CD World to try to get his money back for his ICP tickets. Evidently the promoter said the money would be available now. Well, the money is not available (this is not the fault of CD world, they were just selling the tickets for the promoter).
My son was told there will be a story on the Channel 3 news tonight regarding the promoter and this money problem.
Evidently some people have been told to send their tickets to a post office box for a complete refund. That sounds like a reeeeealy bad idea IMO.
Could be interesting…
Hmmmm, ICP fans in a class action suit against the promoter, I see it now – what a courtroom circus that would be. Humph, no pun intended!
It seems that people are still trying to get their money back for the MC Hammer/Vanilla Ice concert that never happened, so it could be a varied courtroom scene indeed!
Seems this Adam James character is a real piece of work ripping off the Idaho Falls public. He needs to get out of the concert promoting business and stick to what he sucks at, spinning top 40 records! He has a hard enough time doing that job as it is.
Sounds like he’s angering enough people that he won’t have much choice unless he pulls some money out of his… um, pocket.
http://www.kidk.com/news/local/79582147.html
Looks like they’re claiming a ticket refund if you get certified mail sent in by the 19th – nothing like giving people a LITTLE time!