by RENEE PATRICK Cascade CBN Feature Writer
The greatly anticipated summer concerts featuring the Dave Matthews Band and Jack Johnson are due to sell-out, and with larger crowds and bigger names comes new operating procedures at Les Schwab Amphitheater.
Competition in the concert industry is stiff. While Bend’s iconic skyline and the rolling grassy slopes of the Les Schwab Amphitheater have attracted the likes of Ben Harper and Beck, some popular players in the entertainment industry are now looking to the High Desert as a venue due to some important changes.
Last year the Amphitheater made the call to close the grassy areas around the venue to those wishing to enjoy the concerts outside the gates. “We made that decision knowing we have to be competitive in this market,” explained Noelle Fredland, marketing director for the Old Mill District. “Because the attendance outside on the grass was becoming so great, it was infuriating agents when they have choices of where to book their bands.”
The decision to close the grass last year made the news on Pollstar, the only trade publication covering the worldwide concert industry. “The agent for the Dave Matthews Band saw that article and called us saying they wanted to play. This was in a large part due to the fact that we made a hard call to become competitive in the industry,” Fredland said. “We didn’t want to see the big shows skip Bend.”
Both the Dave Matthews Band and Jack Johnson concerts are expected to sell-out, and with the Amphitheater’s capacity at 8,000 some other changes were required by the booking agents. “There are very specific rules when we hit capacity,” Fredland explained. “We can’t allow chairs, blankets or strollers; these changes are mandated as part of the contracts. If we want big bands here we have to listen to their stipulations.”
As part of Jack Johnson’s All At Once campaign during his 2013-14 tour schedule, he and his crew are taking actions to minimize the environmental impact of their shows. These actions specifically target plastic water bottles traditionally sold at concert venues.
In support of the campaign the Amphitheater will not be selling plastic water bottles or allowing them inside, but will have water stations set up for concert goers to bring empty reusable water bottles to fill inside for free. The policy will be in place for both the Dave Matthew Band and Jack Johnson concerts.
“We are looking to see if this is a change we can institute into an ongoing policy, however there are many considerations to discuss prior to making this decision,” Fredland explained. Currently the Amphitheater uses corn-based compostable beer cups, and items like these could be impacted as well. “There are several stages to making sure this will work. We have to make sure the service is there, along with the quality and timeliness of those policies.
“When we are playing at a different capacity we have to make sure we are fulfilling everyone’s needs. We hope everyone will be supportive and enjoy the concerts.”
If music lovers don’t secure a ticket to the summer concerts, the riverfront restaurants in the Old Mill District will remain an excellent vantage point to enjoy a glass of wine or beer on the patio while listing to the music.
Jack Johnson with special guest Michael Kiwanuka
Sunday August 24, 6:30pm
Tickets go on sale to the general public January 31 at 10am. 4 ticket limit per customer/email/credit card. Orders exceeding the ticket limit are subject to cancellation. Orders placed for sole purpose of resale are subject to cancellation.
Please note that tickets will ship on August 1, 2014 if you ordered U.S. Mail or UPS. Print at home and Mobile tickets will be sent on August 1. Your order confirmation will also reflect this shipping date.
PLEASE NOTE: No chairs, blankets or strollers allowed inside the venue. No plastic disposable bottles allowed or sold inside the venue. Refillable water Refillable water canteens/bottles may enter the venue empty and be refilled inside for free.
All Ages$49.50
Dave Matthews Band
Tuesday, August 26, 6pm Join the Les Schwab Amphitheater for a very special evening with the Dave Matthews Band for two sets, acoustic and electric. All tickets are General Admission. Tickets go on sale to the general public February 7 at 10am.
PLEASE NOTE: NO chairs, blankets or strollers allowed at this concert. No plastic disposable bottles allowed or sold inside the venue for this concert. Refillable water canteens/bottles may enter the venue empty and be refilled inside for free.
$75 + service fees
