City ratifies MOU with Friends of the Learner to fund free centennial concerts

The Lerner Theatre Governing Board on July 9 ratified a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Friends of the Learner to support two free concerts scheduled for Sept. 6, 2025, as part of the theater’s centennial “Celebration Under the Stars.” The board approved an initial deposit of $62,500 for Cool & the Gang and an amendment to include The Commodores with an initial deposit of $27,500.

Why it matters: The MOU delegates contract-signing and event promotion responsibilities to Friends of the Learner while committing city funding for deposits. The arrangement allows the nonprofit partner to manage artist contracts and event terms while the city provides upfront financing for the acts’ deposits.

Board discussion and logistics: Megan Erwin, chief of staff, said the city and Friends of the Learner negotiated the agreement and recommended adding The Commodores to the same MOU so staff could execute both deposits. Board members asked where the stage would be set for the event; staff confirmed the stage will be placed in the parking lot behind the plaza so audience members will face away from the existing stage.

Action and outcome: A motion to ratify the MOU (including the amendment to add The Commodores and the stated deposit amounts) was made, seconded and adopted by voice vote.

What the documents say: The MOU assigns contract execution and event terms to Friends of the Learner and specifies the city’s commitment to provide the deposit funds identified in the agreement. The MOU text identifying exact contracting terms and cancellation provisions was presented to the board as part of the packet.