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Commission reviews Make Music Day and jazz festival, discusses venues and scheduling
Summary
Staff told commissioners Make Music Day and the jazz festival were well received but sound/equipment costs limited site choices; commissioners discussed quarterly NECC‑hosted events, venue options (Saint Philip's, Factory Underground, District Hall) and scheduling challenges tied to the mayor's availability.
Staff reported that Make Music Day and a recent jazz festival were well received but that available sound equipment and rental costs limited the number of viable sites for live music.
Sabrina (staff) summarized the city’s experience: "Make Music Day went well per usual," and said the commission had limited options because sound setups can cost about $1,500, which constrained site selection. She described outreach to additional locations this year and said next year the group will encourage artists to bring their own sound or work with the city’s sound/lighting team to offer a small rental package.
Commissioners praised the jazz festival at Factory Underground as successful and discussed ways to grow the event next year. Ideas included collaborating with the library and the poet laureate, staging a multi‑site poetry pub crawl during National Poetry Month, and co‑sponsoring events to broaden reach.
Scheduling and venue constraints drew sustained discussion. Commissioner Steven Russ objected to timing events strictly around the mayor's availability, telling colleagues he was frustrated that an earlier event was canceled at a late date because of mayoral scheduling conflicts. Commissioners suggested securing a date two months in advance and allowing the mayor to block the date rather than centering planning on the mayor’s calendar.
Venue options mentioned included Saint Philip’s (a church venue with a donation requirement but ample parking), the Factory Underground (good sound and stage), District Hall (larger and costly), and private spaces on Wall Street that local supporters might donate. Commissioners agreed to continue planning for an October event and to revisit details once dates and partnerships are firm.
What’s next: staff will continue outreach to venues, compile a list of potential dates, and coordinate with the mayor’s office for availability; commissioners volunteered to help secure artists and logistics where possible.
