{"id":526,"date":"2021-11-19T21:46:52","date_gmt":"2021-11-19T21:46:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/?p=526"},"modified":"2021-12-02T17:55:24","modified_gmt":"2021-12-02T17:55:24","slug":"venues-sk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/2021\/11\/19\/venues-sk\/","title":{"rendered":"Fans flocking back to mid-sized concert halls a welcome sight for artists, owners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Sonia Bustos, one of the dancers for the Juno-nominated Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra, strikes a pose after an energetic set Nov. 12 at the Bronson Centre Music Theatre<\/em>. <meta charset=\"utf-8\"><em>Photo by Sam Konnert.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Frontman and circus ringmaster Sebastian Mejia burst through the back door, making his presence felt to the fans at Bronson Centre Music Theatre. Dancers, brass, strings, percussion and an accordion followed him into the theatre to create the melodic chaos of the Juno-nominated Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Colombian artists Carmen Ruiz and Sebastian Mejia started the Montreal-based orchestra some 10 years ago. The circus-themed band mixes Colombian and Romani rhythms, and is one of the many unique acts to grace the Bronson Centre stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe thing that was amazing about the show is that, for the first time in so long, we were able to make people stand up from their seats and actually come together and move,\u201d Ruiz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra and the future of mid-sized venues\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/2c9_S9JCQpU?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption><em>Scenes of dancing and world music Nov. 12 at the Bronson Centre. Video by Sam Konnert<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The almost 1,000 seat theatre is in an old high school tucked between Ottawa\u2019s Chinatown and Centretown neighbourhoods. The tired walls and bare bulletin boards contrast with the energy-filled hall behind the heavy black doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These mid-sized, 800 to 1,500-seat venues provide genre-bending shows by up-and-coming and established artists alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are, however, a struggling segment of a battered business. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toronto.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/9846-Re-Venues-FINAL-REPORT.pdf\">2020 report<\/a> by the Canadian Live Music Association found that in Toronto alone, 11 venues that hosted an estimated 5,000 concerts a year and employed at least 190 individuals shut their doors forever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The report says these hardships are not unique to Toronto, as owners like Lisa Zbitnew are also feeling the pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zbitnew owns the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto and the Bronson Centre in Ottawa. She is also the former president of Sony Music Canada and BMG Music Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With a bit of help, she said, she believes it won\u2019t be long before fans can ride the rail in the front row.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Critical space in music ecosystem<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Mid-sized venues are a critical space in the music ecosystem, explained Zbitnew, since artists use them to climb the industry ladder. \u201cIt\u2019s the right size for a band that are at a point in their career where they\u2019re still excited about touring and growing, and want a connection with an audience,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Accomplished artists looking for a more intimate setting also flock to these venues. The Rolling Stones played the Phoenix in 2005 and Bob Dylan performed there in 2004.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She pays $45,000 in monthly rent for The Phoenix on top of other costs, such as insurance, which she said have risen dramatically over the past year. \u201cWe&#8217;re into six figures for insurance annually. These costs really start to cut into our ability to have enough margin to operate,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI&#8217;ve had to piece together three different policies just to operate,\u201d Zbitnew said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Concert organizer and industry veteran Yasmina Proveyer also understands the importance of margins. Proveyer co-founded Ax\u00e9 Worldfest, a non-profit that hopes to educate audiences about world music by organizing concerts in Ottawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They received a grant from the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) to present the Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The show cost nearly $20,000 with stage plots, cleaning fees, security, technicians, logistics, paying the talent and providing accommodation all being things to consider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe funding was a relief since you can put on a good show in a nice venue and at the same time make it affordable and accessible to the public,\u201d Proveyer said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-545\" width=\"821\" height=\"519\"\/><figcaption><em>The genre-bending, circus-themed band mesmerizes the crowd at the Bronson Centre Nov. 12.<\/em> <em>Photo by Sam Konnert.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Venues facing concert backlog<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Pandemic-related border closures also cut off international artists that mid-sized venues depend on to fill their calendars. \u201cWhen you get to a certain size, there are not enough Canadian acts that can fill our venues,\u201d Zbitnew said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Larger venues like stadiums were able to cover costs through sporting events while local bars were able to feature Canadian talent to fill their lineups, she explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI by no means want to suggest that small venues weren\u2019t hit as hard as us,\u201d Zbitnew said.&nbsp;\u201cFor them, the tough part is digging out of a hole when you can only accommodate 50 to 100 people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another problem her venues are facing is a backlog of concerts. With so many shows being cancelled, the next year is jam packed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is not a good thing, according to Zbitnew. \u201cShows just aren\u2019t performing as well, because fans are having to pick and choose which concerts to see. We have to recognize that the most difficult time period hasn\u2019t even hit us. The cost of booking shows, training new staff and other barriers will rise as we start ramping back up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Zbitnew said she feels her sector was an afterthought for the provincial government during the pandemic. The Oct. 8 decision to allow music at bars and fill stadiums with 20,000 people, while her venues were restricted, made no sense to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s exactly at the core of this decision making, other than big business can lobby the province more effectively than small business?,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Lobbying the federal government, however, has proven an important tool for Zbitnew. With the help of the Canadian Live Music Association, discussions are ongoing surrounding wage and rent subsidy support through May of next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI have nothing but good things to say about the federal government in terms of showing ongoing support for small businesses in our sector,\u201d Zbitnew said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the recent troubles, she\u2019s hopeful for the decade ahead. \u201cLive music since Mozart has drawn people, once we go from a drought of no shows to the first six or eight months of too many shows, that stuff is all going to correct itself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Proveyer said she is also excited for the world music scene in the coming years. \u201cYou can tell from the audience reaction [at the show], there is an appetite for it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Connecting with audiences<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tickets to Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra were priced between $15 and $25, which attracted new fans like Nathalie Regan, who went to the show despite not knowing of the group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-4-190x300.jpg\" alt=\"dancer, circus, music\" class=\"wp-image-541\" width=\"261\" height=\"412\"\/><figcaption><em>Frontman<\/em> <em>Sebastian Mejia poses and catches his breath after a particularly lively song. Photo by Sam Konnert.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>She said the venue was perfect. \u201cThe shared experience of a show like this doesn\u2019t translate well to a larger crowd,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cAt Bluesfest, you\u2019re squished in like sardines, it\u2019s hustle and bustle. You\u2019re having a good time but you\u2019re so focused on the person backing into you and stepping all over you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carmen Ruiz is just grateful to be dancing again with Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe can connect with the audiences, make them dance, make them laugh, make them not be afraid to lose themselves,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s what she appreciated about the venue. \u201cThe stage is big, but you&#8217;re not that far away that you feel a big fourth wall between the audience and us,\u201d Ruiz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt&#8217;s the most important at the end of it,\u201d she continued. \u201cMore than how good the music, or how good the choreography, is how the energy goes through in the show.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"n2-section-smartslider fitvidsignore  n2_clear\" data-ssid=\"2\" tabindex=\"0\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"Slider\"><div id=\"n2-ss-2-align\" class=\"n2-ss-align\" style=\"margin: 0 auto; max-width: 1200px;\"><div class=\"n2-padding\"><div id=\"n2-ss-2\" data-creator=\"Smart Slider 3\" data-responsive=\"auto\" class=\"n2-ss-slider n2-ow n2-has-hover n2notransition  \">\n\n\n\n<div class=\"n2-ss-slider-wrapper-outside\" style=\"grid-template-rows:1fr auto\"><div class=\"n2-ss-slider-wrapper-inside\">\n        <div class=\"n2-ss-slider-1 n2_ss__touch_element n2-ow\">\n            <div class=\"n2-ss-slider-2 n2-ow\">\n                                                <div class=\"n2-ss-slider-3 n2-ow\">\n\n                    <div class=\"n2-ss-slide-backgrounds n2-ow-all\"><div class=\"n2-ss-slide-background\" data-public-id=\"1\" data-mode=\"fill\"><div class=\"n2-ss-slide-background-image\" data-blur=\"0\" data-opacity=\"100\" data-x=\"50\" data-y=\"50\" data-alt=\"\" data-title=\"\"><picture class=\"skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/slider\/cache\/90b361b4ccc0b14f52f3e9f4e28b54a0\/GKO-Bronson-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\"><\/picture><\/div><div data-color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" style=\"background-color: RGBA(255,255,255,0);\" class=\"n2-ss-slide-background-color\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"n2-ss-slide-background\" data-public-id=\"2\" data-mode=\"fill\"><div class=\"n2-ss-slide-background-image\" data-blur=\"0\" data-opacity=\"100\" data-x=\"50\" data-y=\"50\" data-alt=\"\" data-title=\"\"><picture class=\"skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/slider\/cache\/36789d6b2bfe655e012f3a95a9d86a8a\/GKO-Bronson-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\"><\/picture><\/div><div data-color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" style=\"background-color: RGBA(255,255,255,0);\" class=\"n2-ss-slide-background-color\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"n2-ss-slide-background\" data-public-id=\"3\" data-mode=\"fill\"><div class=\"n2-ss-slide-background-image\" data-blur=\"0\" data-opacity=\"100\" data-x=\"50\" data-y=\"50\" data-alt=\"\" data-title=\"\"><picture class=\"skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/slider\/cache\/1718e0a41912c49c9991255ddc5ab33d\/GKO-Bronson-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\"><\/picture><\/div><div data-color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" style=\"background-color: RGBA(255,255,255,0);\" class=\"n2-ss-slide-background-color\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"n2-ss-slide-background\" data-public-id=\"4\" data-mode=\"fill\"><div class=\"n2-ss-slide-background-image\" data-blur=\"0\" data-opacity=\"100\" data-x=\"50\" data-y=\"50\" data-alt=\"\" data-title=\"\"><picture class=\"skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/slider\/cache\/1e976f967e0f8d2291bf1cc74dbe20f6\/GKO-Bronson-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" title=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\"><\/picture><\/div><div data-color=\"RGBA(255,255,255,0)\" style=\"background-color: RGBA(255,255,255,0);\" class=\"n2-ss-slide-background-color\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>                    <div class=\"n2-ss-slider-4 n2-ow\">\n                        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 1200 600\" data-related-device=\"desktopPortrait\" class=\"n2-ow n2-ss-preserve-size n2-ss-preserve-size--slider n2-ss-slide-limiter\"><\/svg><div data-first=\"1\" data-slide-duration=\"0\" data-id=\"6\" data-slide-public-id=\"1\" data-title=\"GKO Bronson-2\" class=\"n2-ss-slide n2-ow  n2-ss-slide-6\"><div role=\"note\" class=\"n2-ss-slide--focus\" tabindex=\"-1\">GKO Bronson-2<\/div><div class=\"n2-ss-layers-container n2-ss-slide-limiter n2-ow\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-QTC7MSHo80qu\" data-sstype=\"slide\" data-pm=\"default\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-cyY7IFccjoEO\" data-pm=\"default\" data-sstype=\"content\" data-hasbackground=\"0\"><div class=\"n2-ss-section-main-content n2-ss-layer-with-background n2-ss-layer-content n2-ow n-uc-cyY7IFccjoEO-inner\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-1QigJlY57Btv\" data-pm=\"normal\" data-sstype=\"layer\"><div id=\"n2-ss-2item1\" class=\"n2-font-577e3e94d392c80545fffaf7623e9404-hover   n2-ss-item-content n2-ss-text n2-ow\" style=\"display:block;\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-68jiH7ah954N\" data-pm=\"absolute\" data-responsiveposition=\"1\" data-desktopportraitleft=\"0\" data-desktopportraittop=\"235\" data-responsivesize=\"1\" data-desktopportraitwidth=\"1161\" data-desktopportraitheight=\"50\" data-desktopportraitalign=\"center\" data-desktopportraitvalign=\"middle\" data-parentid=\"\" data-desktopportraitparentalign=\"center\" data-desktopportraitparentvalign=\"middle\" data-sstype=\"layer\"><div id=\"n2-ss-2item2\" class=\"n2-font-98643a03d865e6d20c91015fb81495b0-hover   n2-ss-item-content n2-ss-text n2-ow\" style=\"display:block;\">Fans eager to make their way into the venue queue outside the converted high school.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div data-slide-duration=\"0\" data-id=\"7\" data-slide-public-id=\"2\" data-title=\"GKO Bronson-3\" class=\"n2-ss-slide n2-ow  n2-ss-slide-7\"><div role=\"note\" class=\"n2-ss-slide--focus\" tabindex=\"-1\">GKO Bronson-3<\/div><div class=\"n2-ss-layers-container n2-ss-slide-limiter n2-ow\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-Pz4Sl7vk6P1J\" data-sstype=\"slide\" data-pm=\"default\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-jC4OP2pFHsKl\" data-pm=\"default\" data-sstype=\"content\" data-hasbackground=\"0\"><div class=\"n2-ss-section-main-content n2-ss-layer-with-background n2-ss-layer-content n2-ow n-uc-jC4OP2pFHsKl-inner\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-hlglxXeClY1W\" data-pm=\"absolute\" data-responsiveposition=\"1\" data-desktopportraitleft=\"0\" data-desktopportraittop=\"239\" data-responsivesize=\"1\" data-desktopportraitwidth=\"1161\" data-desktopportraitheight=\"auto\" data-desktopportraitalign=\"center\" data-desktopportraitvalign=\"middle\" data-parentid=\"\" data-desktopportraitparentalign=\"center\" data-desktopportraitparentvalign=\"middle\" data-sstype=\"layer\"><div id=\"n2-ss-2item3\" class=\"n2-font-7268354eff4232f3956c436d8d605338-hover   n2-ss-item-content n2-ss-text n2-ow\" style=\"display:block;\">Carmen Ruiz dances her way down to the stage to start the show, followed by the band.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div data-slide-duration=\"0\" data-id=\"8\" data-slide-public-id=\"3\" data-title=\"GKO Bronson-6\" class=\"n2-ss-slide n2-ow  n2-ss-slide-8\"><div role=\"note\" class=\"n2-ss-slide--focus\" tabindex=\"-1\">GKO Bronson-6<\/div><div class=\"n2-ss-layers-container n2-ss-slide-limiter n2-ow\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-cXHqRbo0tCi3\" data-sstype=\"slide\" data-pm=\"default\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-MaCAgeHD2sWO\" data-pm=\"default\" data-sstype=\"content\" data-hasbackground=\"0\"><div class=\"n2-ss-section-main-content n2-ss-layer-with-background n2-ss-layer-content n2-ow n-uc-MaCAgeHD2sWO-inner\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-uawCQT8ei3gJ\" data-pm=\"absolute\" data-responsiveposition=\"1\" data-desktopportraitleft=\"0\" data-desktopportraittop=\"236\" data-responsivesize=\"1\" data-desktopportraitwidth=\"1161\" data-desktopportraitheight=\"auto\" data-desktopportraitalign=\"center\" data-desktopportraitvalign=\"middle\" data-parentid=\"\" data-desktopportraitparentalign=\"center\" data-desktopportraitparentvalign=\"middle\" data-sstype=\"layer\"><div id=\"n2-ss-2item4\" class=\"n2-font-7268354eff4232f3956c436d8d605338-hover   n2-ss-item-content n2-ss-text n2-ow\" style=\"display:block;\">Carmen Ruiz twirls as Sebastian Mejia plays at the crescendo of a song.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div data-slide-duration=\"0\" data-id=\"9\" data-slide-public-id=\"4\" data-title=\"GKO Bronson-7\" class=\"n2-ss-slide n2-ow  n2-ss-slide-9\"><div role=\"note\" class=\"n2-ss-slide--focus\" tabindex=\"-1\">GKO Bronson-7<\/div><div class=\"n2-ss-layers-container n2-ss-slide-limiter n2-ow\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-o1qBX4EbiiGk\" data-sstype=\"slide\" data-pm=\"default\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-Tzrf3n3AJQ6r\" data-pm=\"default\" data-sstype=\"content\" data-hasbackground=\"0\"><div class=\"n2-ss-section-main-content n2-ss-layer-with-background n2-ss-layer-content n2-ow n-uc-Tzrf3n3AJQ6r-inner\"><div class=\"n2-ss-layer n2-ow n-uc-EmwcXbJfodBF\" data-pm=\"absolute\" data-responsiveposition=\"1\" data-desktopportraitleft=\"0\" data-desktopportraittop=\"238\" data-responsivesize=\"1\" data-desktopportraitwidth=\"1161\" data-desktopportraitheight=\"auto\" data-desktopportraitalign=\"center\" data-desktopportraitvalign=\"middle\" data-parentid=\"\" data-desktopportraitparentalign=\"center\" data-desktopportraitparentvalign=\"middle\" data-sstype=\"layer\"><div id=\"n2-ss-2item5\" class=\"n2-font-7268354eff4232f3956c436d8d605338-hover   n2-ss-item-content n2-ss-text n2-ow\" style=\"display:block;\">The group finishes the show by playing within the crowd.<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>                    <\/div>\n\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"n2-ss-slider-controls n2-ss-slider-controls-absolute-left-center\"><div style=\"--widget-offset:15px;\" class=\"n2-ss-widget nextend-arrow n2-ow-all nextend-arrow-previous  nextend-arrow-animated-fade\" id=\"n2-ss-2-arrow-previous\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"previous arrow\" tabindex=\"0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" class=\"n2-arrow-normal-img skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMzIiIGhlaWdodD0iMzIiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAzMiAzMiIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj4KICAgIDxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMS40MzMgMTUuOTkyTDIyLjY5IDUuNzEyYy4zOTMtLjM5LjM5My0xLjAzIDAtMS40Mi0uMzkzLS4zOS0xLjAzLS4zOS0xLjQyMyAwbC0xMS45OCAxMC45NGMtLjIxLjIxLS4zLjQ5LS4yODUuNzYtLjAxNS4yOC4wNzUuNTYuMjg0Ljc3bDExLjk4IDEwLjk0Yy4zOTMuMzkgMS4wMy4zOSAxLjQyNCAwIC4zOTMtLjQuMzkzLTEuMDMgMC0xLjQybC0xMS4yNTctMTAuMjkiCiAgICAgICAgICBmaWxsPSIjZmZmZmZmIiBvcGFjaXR5PSIwLjgiIGZpbGwtcnVsZT0iZXZlbm9kZCIvPgo8L3N2Zz4=\" alt=\"previous arrow\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" class=\"n2-arrow-hover-img skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMzIiIGhlaWdodD0iMzIiIHZpZXdCb3g9IjAgMCAzMiAzMiIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj4KICAgIDxwYXRoIGQ9Ik0xMS40MzMgMTUuOTkyTDIyLjY5IDUuNzEyYy4zOTMtLjM5LjM5My0xLjAzIDAtMS40Mi0uMzkzLS4zOS0xLjAzLS4zOS0xLjQyMyAwbC0xMS45OCAxMC45NGMtLjIxLjIxLS4zLjQ5LS4yODUuNzYtLjAxNS4yOC4wNzUuNTYuMjg0Ljc3bDExLjk4IDEwLjk0Yy4zOTMuMzkgMS4wMy4zOSAxLjQyNCAwIC4zOTMtLjQuMzkzLTEuMDMgMC0xLjQybC0xMS4yNTctMTAuMjkiCiAgICAgICAgICBmaWxsPSIjZmZmZmZmIiBvcGFjaXR5PSIxIiBmaWxsLXJ1bGU9ImV2ZW5vZGQiLz4KPC9zdmc+\" alt=\"previous arrow\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"n2-ss-slider-controls n2-ss-slider-controls-absolute-right-center\"><div style=\"--widget-offset:15px;\" class=\"n2-ss-widget nextend-arrow n2-ow-all nextend-arrow-next  nextend-arrow-animated-fade\" id=\"n2-ss-2-arrow-next\" role=\"button\" aria-label=\"next arrow\" tabindex=\"0\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" class=\"n2-arrow-normal-img skip-lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\" 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class=\"n2-ss-slider-controls n2-ss-slider-controls-below\"><div class=\"n2-ss-widget nextend-shadow n2-ow-all\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1120\" height=\"50\" style=\"display: block; width:100%;max-width:none;\" class=\"nextend-shadow-image skip-lazy\" loading=\"lazy\" data-skip-lazy=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/plugins\/smart-slider-3\/Public\/SmartSlider3\/Widget\/Shadow\/ShadowImage\/Assets\/shadow\/dark.png\" alt=\"Shadow\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><ss3-loader><\/ss3-loader><\/div><\/div><div class=\"n2_clear\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Mid-sized concert halls play a unique role in the live music ecosystem, but they are a struggling segment of a battered business. Industry leaders, however, are hopeful that with a bit of help, it won\u2019t be long before fans can ride the rail in the front row.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":21,"featured_media":538,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pgc_meta":"","_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Sonia Bustos, one of the dancers for the Juno-nominated Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra, strikes a pose after an energetic set Nov. 12 at the Bronson Centre Music Theatre<\/em>. <meta charset=\"utf-8\"><em>Photo by Sam Konnert.<\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Frontman and circus ringmaster Sebastian Mejia burst through the back door, making his presence felt to the fans at Bronson Centre Music Theatre. Dancers, brass, strings, percussion and an accordion followed him into the theatre to create the melodic chaos of the Juno-nominated Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Colombian artists Carmen Ruiz and Sebastian Mejia started the Montreal-based orchestra some 10 years ago. The circus-themed band mixes Colombian and Romani rhythms, and is one of the many unique acts to grace the Bronson Centre stage.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThe thing that was amazing about the show is that, for the first time in so long, we were able to make people stand up from their seats and actually come together and move,\u201d Ruiz said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:embed {\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2c9_S9JCQpUu0026ab_channel=SamKonnert\",\"type\":\"video\",\"providerNameSlug\":\"youtube\",\"responsive\":true,\"align\":\"center\",\"className\":\"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=2c9_S9JCQpU&amp;ab_channel=SamKonnert\n<\/div><figcaption><em>Scenes of dancing and world music Nov. 12 at the Bronson Centre. Video by Sam Konnert<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:embed -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The almost 1,000 seat theatre is in an old high school tucked between Ottawa\u2019s Chinatown and Centretown neighbourhoods. The tired walls and bare bulletin boards contrast with the energy-filled hall behind the heavy black doors.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>These mid-sized, 800 to 1,500-seat venues provide genre-bending shows by up-and-coming and established artists alike.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>They are, however, a struggling segment of a battered business. A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.toronto.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/9846-Re-Venues-FINAL-REPORT.pdf\">2020 report<\/a> by the Canadian Live Music Association found that in Toronto alone, 11 venues that hosted an estimated 5,000 concerts a year and employed at least 190 individuals shut their doors forever.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The report says these hardships are not unique to Toronto, as owners like Lisa Zbitnew are also feeling the pressure.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Zbitnew owns the Phoenix Concert Theatre in Toronto and the Bronson Centre in Ottawa. She is also the former president of Sony Music Canada and BMG Music Canada.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With a bit of help, she said, she believes it won\u2019t be long before fans can ride the rail in the front row.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Critical space in music ecosystem<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Mid-sized venues are a critical space in the music ecosystem, explained Zbitnew, since artists use them to climb the industry ladder. \u201cIt\u2019s the right size for a band that are at a point in their career where they\u2019re still excited about touring and growing, and want a connection with an audience,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Accomplished artists looking for a more intimate setting also flock to these venues. The Rolling Stones played the Phoenix in 2005 and Bob Dylan performed there in 2004.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She pays $45,000 in monthly rent for The Phoenix on top of other costs, such as insurance, which she said have risen dramatically over the past year. \u201cWe're into six figures for insurance annually. These costs really start to cut into our ability to have enough margin to operate,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI've had to piece together three different policies just to operate,\u201d Zbitnew said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Concert organizer and industry veteran Yasmina Proveyer also understands the importance of margins. Proveyer co-founded Ax\u00e9 Worldfest, a non-profit that hopes to educate audiences about world music by organizing concerts in Ottawa.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>They received a grant from the Foundation Assisting Canadian Talent on Recordings (FACTOR) to present the Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra show.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The show cost nearly $20,000 with stage plots, cleaning fees, security, technicians, logistics, paying the talent and providing accommodation all being things to consider.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cThe funding was a relief since you can put on a good show in a nice venue and at the same time make it affordable and accessible to the public,\u201d Proveyer said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"center\",\"id\":545,\"width\":821,\"height\":519,\"sizeSlug\":\"full\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-545\" width=\"821\" height=\"519\"\/><figcaption><em>The genre-bending, circus-themed band mesmerizes the crowd at the Bronson Centre Nov. 12.<\/em> <em>Photo by Sam Konnert.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Venues facing concert backlog<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Pandemic-related border closures also cut off international artists that mid-sized venues depend on to fill their calendars. \u201cWhen you get to a certain size, there are not enough Canadian acts that can fill our venues,\u201d Zbitnew said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Larger venues like stadiums were able to cover costs through sporting events while local bars were able to feature Canadian talent to fill their lineups, she explained.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI by no means want to suggest that small venues weren\u2019t hit as hard as us,\u201d Zbitnew said.&nbsp;\u201cFor them, the tough part is digging out of a hole when you can only accommodate 50 to 100 people.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Another problem her venues are facing is a backlog of concerts. With so many shows being cancelled, the next year is jam packed.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>This is not a good thing, according to Zbitnew. \u201cShows just aren\u2019t performing as well, because fans are having to pick and choose which concerts to see. We have to recognize that the most difficult time period hasn\u2019t even hit us. The cost of booking shows, training new staff and other barriers will rise as we start ramping back up.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Zbitnew said she feels her sector was an afterthought for the provincial government during the pandemic. The Oct. 8 decision to allow music at bars and fill stadiums with 20,000 people, while her venues were restricted, made no sense to her.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWhat\u2019s exactly at the core of this decision making, other than big business can lobby the province more effectively than small business?,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Lobbying the federal government, however, has proven an important tool for Zbitnew. With the help of the Canadian Live Music Association, discussions are ongoing surrounding wage and rent subsidy support through May of next year.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI have nothing but good things to say about the federal government in terms of showing ongoing support for small businesses in our sector,\u201d Zbitnew said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Despite the recent troubles, she\u2019s hopeful for the decade ahead. \u201cLive music since Mozart has drawn people, once we go from a drought of no shows to the first six or eight months of too many shows, that stuff is all going to correct itself.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Proveyer said she is also excited for the world music scene in the coming years. \u201cYou can tell from the audience reaction [at the show], there is an appetite for it.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2><strong>Connecting with audiences<\/strong><\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Tickets to Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra were priced between $15 and $25, which attracted new fans like Nathalie Regan, who went to the show despite not knowing of the group.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"align\":\"left\",\"id\":541,\"width\":261,\"height\":412,\"sizeSlug\":\"medium\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-medium is-resized\"><img src=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-4-190x300.jpg\" alt=\"dancer, circus, music\" class=\"wp-image-541\" width=\"261\" height=\"412\"\/><figcaption><em>Frontman<\/em> <em>Sebastian Mejia poses and catches his breath after a particularly lively song. Photo by Sam Konnert.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>She said the venue was perfect. \u201cThe shared experience of a show like this doesn\u2019t translate well to a larger crowd,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cAt Bluesfest, you\u2019re squished in like sardines, it\u2019s hustle and bustle. You\u2019re having a good time but you\u2019re so focused on the person backing into you and stepping all over you,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Carmen Ruiz is just grateful to be dancing again with Gypsy Kumbia Orchestra.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cWe can connect with the audiences, make them dance, make them laugh, make them not be afraid to lose themselves,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>That\u2019s what she appreciated about the venue. \u201cThe stage is big, but you're not that far away that you feel a big fourth wall between the audience and us,\u201d Ruiz said.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cIt's the most important at the end of it,\u201d she continued. \u201cMore than how good the music, or how good the choreography, is how the energy goes through in the show.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:columns -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\"><!-- wp:column {\"width\":\"100%\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\"><!-- wp:group -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:gallery {\"ids\":[552,554,555,556],\"columns\":1,\"imageCrop\":false,\"linkTo\":\"none\",\"sizeSlug\":\"full\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-1\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"552\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-2-1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/?attachment_id=552\" class=\"wp-image-552\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Fans eager to make their way into the venue queue outside the converted high school.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"554\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-3.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/?attachment_id=554\" class=\"wp-image-554\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Carmen Ruiz dances her way down to the stage to start the show, followed by the band.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"555\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-6.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/?attachment_id=555\" class=\"wp-image-555\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Carmen Ruiz twirls as Sebastian Mejia plays at the crescendo of a song.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img src=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-7.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"556\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson-7.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/?attachment_id=556\" class=\"wp-image-556\"\/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">The group finishes the show by playing within the crowd.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:gallery --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:column --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:columns -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->","_et_gb_content_width":"1080","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_caption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_nocaption":"","_FSMCFIC_featured_image_hide":"","_vp_format_video_url":"","_vp_image_focal_point":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[7,66,126,125],"tags":[33,36,63,32,13,37,35,34],"class_list":["post-526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","category-issue-1","category-living","category-ottawa","tag-concerts","tag-dance","tag-issue-1","tag-music","tag-ottawa","tag-pandemic","tag-toronto","tag-venues"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Fans flocking back to mid-sized concert halls a welcome sight for artists, owners - The Raging Twenties<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/2021\/11\/19\/venues-sk\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Fans flocking back to mid-sized concert halls a welcome sight for artists, owners - The Raging Twenties\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Mid-sized concert halls play a unique role in the live music ecosystem, but they are a struggling segment of a battered business. Industry leaders, however, are hopeful that with a bit of help, it won\u2019t be long before fans can ride the rail in the front row.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/2021\/11\/19\/venues-sk\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Raging Twenties\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2021-11-19T21:46:52+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2021-12-02T17:55:24+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/GKO-Bronson.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"648\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Sam Konnert\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Raging20sNews\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Raging20sNews\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Sam Konnert\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/2021\/11\/19\/venues-sk\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/2021\/11\/19\/venues-sk\/\",\"name\":\"Fans flocking back to mid-sized concert halls a welcome sight for artists, owners - The Raging Twenties\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2021-11-19T21:46:52+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2021-12-02T17:55:24+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/#\/schema\/person\/0c1c64b2e1e3f0a67721517c9b74e56f\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/2021\/11\/19\/venues-sk\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/2021\/11\/19\/venues-sk\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/2021\/11\/19\/venues-sk\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Fans flocking back to mid-sized concert halls a welcome sight for artists, owners\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/\",\"name\":\"The Raging Twenties\",\"description\":\"Follow The Raging Twenties and join the conversation. \",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/#\/schema\/person\/0c1c64b2e1e3f0a67721517c9b74e56f\",\"name\":\"Sam Konnert\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f8b10da2c2be6940ec1328bc07362fb35e7ad4daa96b196a05c658f4fdd5afab?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f8b10da2c2be6940ec1328bc07362fb35e7ad4daa96b196a05c658f4fdd5afab?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Sam Konnert\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/author\/samkonnert\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Fans flocking back to mid-sized concert halls a welcome sight for artists, owners - The Raging Twenties","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/cusjc.ca\/theragingtwenties\/2021\/11\/19\/venues-sk\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Fans flocking back to mid-sized concert halls a welcome sight for artists, owners - The Raging Twenties","og_description":"Mid-sized concert halls play a unique role in the live music ecosystem, but they are a struggling segment of a battered business. 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