I'm not sure I get it
As someone that attended both the Pearl Jam show and Desdemona Festival this past weekend in Cincinnati, I am not completely sure where Desdemona organizer Nick Spencer is coming from with this comment:
"If you're looking to market your city to the rest of world, and if you're looking for something to really get people excited about your city, Pearl Jam at U.S. Bank Arena or Lynyrd Skynyrd and 3 Doors Down at Riverbend is probably not what you want to put forward," Spencer says. "This event makes Cincinnati look really good."
You can find that in this article on Enquirer.com.
Now, I would like to think that Nick is saying that Cincinnati needs to step out of it's mold and support events that are out of its ordinary rotation - concerts at US Bank and Riverbend, sporting events, conventions, etc. I can totally agree with that.
But, does how does having a band like Pearl Jam (or U2, The Stones, The Boss or Petty or whoever...) in town - IN DOWNTOWN - not supporting the city? Pearl Jam, wherever they go, always brings traveling fans. TONS of them. I've traveled for Pearl Jam and I know a lot of other folks that do as well. I have gone back to the cities I have traveled to for Pearl Jam also. The Stones, US? They bring lots of folks in as well. Probably more.
It only makes sense for this city to embrace it all. There was a great musical eruption downtown this weekend, and I think the city really didn't do much to promote it at all. At least I didn't see much. As a downtown resident, I sure as heck didn't see much downtown.
I met Nick over the weekend at Desdemona and had a chance to tell him what a great event it was. I hope it continues, and I will be there next year if it does happen again. I hope the city gets behind it a little more next year as well. I agree with Nick that Desdemona makes this city look good. I think all the other stuff does too.
"If you're looking to market your city to the rest of world, and if you're looking for something to really get people excited about your city, Pearl Jam at U.S. Bank Arena or Lynyrd Skynyrd and 3 Doors Down at Riverbend is probably not what you want to put forward," Spencer says. "This event makes Cincinnati look really good."
You can find that in this article on Enquirer.com.
Now, I would like to think that Nick is saying that Cincinnati needs to step out of it's mold and support events that are out of its ordinary rotation - concerts at US Bank and Riverbend, sporting events, conventions, etc. I can totally agree with that.
But, does how does having a band like Pearl Jam (or U2, The Stones, The Boss or Petty or whoever...) in town - IN DOWNTOWN - not supporting the city? Pearl Jam, wherever they go, always brings traveling fans. TONS of them. I've traveled for Pearl Jam and I know a lot of other folks that do as well. I have gone back to the cities I have traveled to for Pearl Jam also. The Stones, US? They bring lots of folks in as well. Probably more.
It only makes sense for this city to embrace it all. There was a great musical eruption downtown this weekend, and I think the city really didn't do much to promote it at all. At least I didn't see much. As a downtown resident, I sure as heck didn't see much downtown.
I met Nick over the weekend at Desdemona and had a chance to tell him what a great event it was. I hope it continues, and I will be there next year if it does happen again. I hope the city gets behind it a little more next year as well. I agree with Nick that Desdemona makes this city look good. I think all the other stuff does too.
3 Comments:
Couldn't agree more. It absolutely helps the city to have these bands come to town. I think what you are seeing in that comment is a slightly hurt ego. I'm sure this individual expected a greater turnout for his event.
I do believe an event like this has the potential to make Cincinnati look good, but if you are going to appeal to people outside of the immediate area, you had better consider booking bands that have a little bit of draw.
People travelled from around the country for the Pearl Jam show. And they filled up a large arena. How is that not something you would want to put forward?
And I have to add one more thing (maybe two). First, Spencer should definitely be commended for putting this on. I hope it grows into something truly special. But he should stay away from the negatives and focus on the positives. Maybe PJ will want to headline his event next year. Think he'd turn them down? ;)
Definitely. Spencer put on a great event. He should be commended. Like I said, I was down there for two night and enjoyed the hell out of it. I had a pretty rockin' weekend with Desdemona and Pearl Jam. Hopefully it will be able to get some more sponsor support next year, get more great bands and get a few more folks here. I believe it can happen.
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