Community feedback surrounding the Old Stone’s transition to a Performing Arts Center has been electric.
In its new role, the Old Stone has been bringing a broad cross section of the community into one of its iconic historic buildings while managing to maintain long standing relationships.
Howard Schor, managing partner, says, “We have gotten public kudos from so many audience members including community artistic luminaries like David Simpson, Michael Coffman, Scott Burch, Patricia Del Ruth, Maralyn Thoma and Alice Huskey. We thank them and want the community to know, the space is for ages 11 to 99.”
After attending the recent Black Lillies show at the Old Stone, Ann Golden Eglé, MCC and president of Golden Visions & Associates, LLC, thinks the venue “Is an exquisite use of this facility. Peter has given life to this beautiful structure by bringing in quality live music. I was thrilled to enjoy the nationally recognized Black Lillies, who are ranked on Americana’s National Top 100 list, right here in Bend. The intimate setting allowed the audience to connect more personally with the musicians. Acoustics were wonderful.”
Egle noted the convenience of venue location (close to Downtown Bend) which allowed her to walk to dinner and the concert without having to drive and park multiple times.
Peter Geiser, owner of the Old Stone, says he has enjoyed providing a community sanctuary for spiritual groups like the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon and the Spiritual Awareness Community (SAC).
Geiser reflects, “Of course the Unitarians have now built their own church. It was a sad goodbye for many Unitarians are for us. They had been an anchor tenant at the Old Stone since 2006 and we had a wonderful relationship. And the SAC will continue to utilize the Old Stone.”
Like Egle’s experience, Katrina Rose Kniest, the sound and music producer for SAC for the past two years commented that the Old Stone provides a profound container for experience. “Attending SAC circle, song circle and Bhakti church at the Old Stone Performing Arts Center is not only amazing for acoustics but the space easily supports the coherent field produced wherever hearts gather for ceremony and song.”
Currently, the Old Stone has a diversity of community partnerships involving co-production and collaborations. These include a monthly jazz series, theatre in the round, development of a comedy series, the new Bend Dance Club, collaborating with McMenamins on weddings, involvement with BendFilm, working with various nonprofits and evolving event collaborations with The Tower Theatre.
These community partnerships combine with independently hosted shows aligns with the Old Stone’s goal to become a certified B-Corp, for-profit company that is a force for good. There are currently around 1,100 B-Corps in the country including such companies as Pantagonia, Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and Kickstarter.
The Old Stone is committed to a set of social values that center on workplace, community and environment. Focusing on patrons as partners is a strong component and the Old Stone management collectively refers to this model as social capitalism.
The biggest renovation to date was installation of their one-of-a-kind 1,600 square foot white oak dance floor over the winter. “Over the past ten years my wife and I have done a considerable amount of infrastructure improvements and maintenance including building the bar. Beer began flowing from the taps in the spring. We currently have a partial alcohol license with the OLCC and may go to a full liquor license this fall,” says Peter.
The Altar Café, where beverages are served, was created by artist and master craftsman Will Nash. Peter feels the wainscoting and gothic design beautifully tie in with the historic sanctuary ambiance.
In 2006, with a transition to the current private ownership, the name the Old Stone was adopted. In Fall 2015 with the support of a growing group of community members it was decided to formally drop “hurch” from the name and a commitment was made to fully re-invent the facility as an event venue. It was christened The Old Stone Performing Arts Center.
Before setting out to unveil the Old Stone Performing Arts Center as a vibrant re-purposed historic hub of cultural activity, Geiser had a career in forest service and finance. After graduating from Oregon State University in the School of Forestry, he moved to Bend, where he met Old Stone co-owner and wife, Maureen.
Geiser explains the most challenging part of owning and promoting the Old Stone has been, “developing a new business entity while having a mindset of being retired. Like any small business in the startup phase it requires a lot of persistence and determination. Fortunately I’m used to that from my previous working life. My mantra is patience, acceptance and gratitude… I have a lot to be grateful for.”
This summer and beyond the Old Stone will be hosting nonprofit fundraisers, local performing artists and national acts. Don’t miss Mandolin Orange (a past favorite at the Sisters Folk Festival) with the opening act Brad Tisdel (accomplished folk artist and creative director of the Sisters Folk Festival) along with Brent Alan, another long time Sisters community favorite.
The Old Stone Performing Arts Center
Tag line: Bend’s newest yet most historic Event Center hosting events that enrich the cultural vitality of the community.
Team: Peter and Maureen Geiser, owners, and Howard Schor, managing partner.
Contact info: peter@oldstonebend.com, oldstonebend.com, 157 NW Franklin Ave., Bend, OR 97703; or P.O. Box 581, Bend, OR 97709.
Where did the company name come from? The name had simplicity and relevance; an old church constructed from stone.
When did you open your doors? The new Old Stone Performing Arts Center was formally made public early in the second quarter of 2016. Weekly events rolled out including music concerts, a jazz series, ballet and modern dance performances, community events, theatre in the round, wedding and private events.
What is your product/market niche? Bend’s newest yet most historic event center is now hosting concerts, theatre, dance, film, weddings and community events. The website oldstonebend.com provides a calendar of these events as well as more detailed descriptions of the event categories, booking opportunities, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.
What has been your greatest success to date? Attracting partners who share a passion for our mission and bring the needed skills to implement it. We have been very fortunate to attract a wonderful group of individuals who have become part of our team.
What is your companies number one goal in the next year? The Old Stone gives back to the community by providing discount rates to nonprofits and co-producing events. My partner Schor and his wife Mary created the non-profit BEAT in Bend and supported its development for ten-years. I’ve served on numerous nonprofit boards in Bend since the ‘70s including serving for the past 27 years on The Environmental Center’s board. Other team members also have long histories of involvement in the community.
No. employees: Six, most of which have other jobs that provide their primary sources of income. In addition, we are developing a volunteer base that will be a source of support.
Outlook for growth: We expect steady growth in our calendar of events, our partnerships in the community, our support from volunteers and sponsorships, growth in our staff and increasing profitability. In the three months since we formally opened we’ve established a foundation in all these areas. In the next six to 12 months we expect that The Old Stone Performing Arts Center will be fully viable.
