At the August 10 City Advertising and Promotion Commission meeting, Steve Kolb told commissioners his son had entered into a contract to promote a concert featuring Foghat on Sept. 24 during Bikes, Blues and Barbecue weekend. Kolb said he had insurance and a banner permit in place, the Basin Park Hotel had promised a break on accommodations, and the Grotto had agreed to provide food for the band. He was asking commissioners for a break on the cost of renting the Auditorium.
Also in his plans for the Auditorium are shows featuring Blood, Sweat and Tears on Nov. 12, and Dec. 17 would be Herman’s Hermits’ Christmas show.
Kolb said ticket prices for the Foghat show would be $70, $60 and $50. CAPC Executive Director Mike Maloney asked Kolb what the marketing budget was, and Kolb replied $500.
“That’s not enough money to spit in,” Maloney commented. He clarified that the CAPC does not promote private promoters. “That’s your job,” he told Kolb. He said the CAPC could help with its social media, but stated Kolb needed to increase his marketing budget by about $10,000.
Commissioner Dustin Duling responded he thought it was refreshing to see someone trying to put something in the Auditorium, and he saw Maloney as being a bit rude and condescending to Kolb. Duling encouraged Kolb to make contact with the Harley-Davidson distributor in the area or some other underwriter. “If you talk to right person, you might make it [happen].”
Commissioner Charles Ragsdell offered to send announcements to his extensive Blues Weekend mailing list. He urged Kolb to get involved with social media partners immediately by offering a small block of tickets in return for a “heavy rotation” of ads, and go aggressively after college students.
Maloney told Kolb he did not mean to be abrupt, but to open his eyes to the challenge of promoting a show. Ragsdell added he has seen shows turn into very expensive disasters when they were under promoted.
Finance Director Rick Bright said the standard cost for renting the Auditorium is $3000 or ten percent of ticket sales, whichever is higher. Commissioner Damon Henke advised Kolb to return to them after he has found sponsors and maybe the commission could negotiate a different arrangement.