CAPC Events Coordinator Andy Green passed around a chart at the June 28 workshop showing all events he needs to fill in 2018, wanting discussion with commissioners to make clear they are partners in the process of filling a year’s worth of events.
Executive Director Mike Maloney said Green has been hamstrung because the budget is not settled until late in the year but Green must line up acts far in advance. Maloney said the ideal situation would be if Green had all the acts booked by the first of the year to create a buzz beyond their own promotions, and he was convinced Green could provide acts the city has not seen recently.
Green suggested they discuss having a large kickoff event for next year’s May Festival of the Arts instead of a parade, but he was “only proposing” the idea. Nevertheless, he encouraged commissioners to consider budgeting for such an event. He also suggested spending money in conjunction with the Blues Weekend with the goal of putting entertainment in the Auditorium again.
“We need to give our new golden boy some money so he can do his job,” commissioner David Mitchell said.
Green passed around his budget for filling goals, a total of $165,000.
Commissioner Terry McClung wondered if Green brought better-known acts to Music in the Park and more spectators came, “Where you gonna put them all?” Green said extra people would wander downtown, and if commissioners want more heads in beds, he’ll need to bring more recognizable names to events.
Commissioner Susan Harman commented that would be a good problem to have. The event could be moved to the Auditorium and the CAPC could sell concessions.
Green said he has been recruiting sponsors for events, and sponsors want to see a more compelling music program, and events planned in advance so they have a reason to participate.
Mitchell again proclaimed, “We hired you to bring us some entertainment and put heads in beds, so I guess we should give you some money.”
Finance Director Rick Bright pointed out much of what Green asked for was already in the budget, and Maloney added a part of the goal is to become the must-attend location.
Green stated Basin Park is a charming location with a proven track record, and could build on itself and become the thing to do. The CAPC would get word out that Eureka Springs is the place to hear good music.
However, according to Green, potential sponsors must believe in the quality of the entertainment plus the value of the marketing and exposure.
Green, speaking for his frugal nature, said, “I want you to look at it at the end of the year and see I did not spend all the money, but we had a great year.” He said he was moving forward with the understanding they were in agreement he should begin getting acts for 2018.
Commissioners calculated Green was asking for an additional $75,000 to his 2017 budget, but Maloney pointed out there would be $40,000 they spent this year on utilities at the Auditorium that would be available next year. Bright was confident they could cover the remainder, so Green got a green light.