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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDvlpmnt of Artist Showcase Concert Series i�lFE7IP�� a��E � "��� �-/ ����,��ED�� _ �O - l�- �� CITY OF PALM DES R� pASSE�TQ 2ND RE�D1z�G � DEVELOPMENT SERVI STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Approve the Development of an "Artist Showcase" Concert Series in the Civic Center Park SUBMITTED BY: Janis Steele, Parks and Recreation Services Manager DATE: May 21, 2009 CONTENTS: 1. Proposal from the "1201 Collective" 2. Minutes from the April 7, 2009, Parks and Recreation Commission meeting Recommendation: By Minute Motion: 1. Approve the request from the "1201 Collective" to partner with City Staff to develop an August/September Concert Series in the Civic Center Park, and waive amphitheater fees. 2. Authorize Staff to spend up to $600 for event insurance from Account No. 110-4610-453-3092. 3. Authorize Staff to provide staffing for five concerts. Discussion: Mr. Aaron White, a founding member of the 1201collective approached Staff with the idea of developing a "weekend" concert series to be held during the months of August and September 2009, in the City of Palm Desert. Mr. White's proposal was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission at the April 7, 2009, meeting (see attached minutes). The 1201 collective is in the process of becoming a local non-profit organization, with a focus and dedication towards community development and education through both art and music. The Collective's goal is to one day open a venue for local music in Palm Desert. The main focus of his proposal was as follows (taken from the proposal): We believe that local music is a source of entertainment in the valley that has relatively few places in which to surface. So, we decided that if we were � ab/e to set-up shows with the city of Palm Desert than we'd derive a mutual benefit. The city would gain recognition as an open and friendly environment to younger people aged 15-26 and our Collective would achieve one of its primary goa/s of extending music and its accessibility to the general public. Staff Report "Artist Showcase" Concert Series in the Civic Center Park Page 2 of 2 May 21, 2009 As this provides additional recreational and entertainment value to the City's current services, Staff felt that this would be an opportunity for the City to reach the 15 to 26 age group (but not exclusively) as well as provide additional music and entertainment to the citizens of Palm Desert. It would also offer an outlet for local artists to perform. Staff believes that this would continue to grow in the future. After the idea was presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Staff received calls from other local bands interested in making this series possible. Mr. Mike Aspell, a member of a local classic rock band, The Rockaholics, met with Staff to discuss his desire to assist Mr. White with the series. Mr. Aspell mentioned that a member of his band is a sound technician, and that they would like to assist with the sound set up. He also mentioned that he has a contact with a Coachella Valley music store that he feels would be willing to sponsor the event. Staff believes that the collaboration between Mr. White, Mr. Aspell, and the City is a positive effort for the City and should be pursued. Mr. White is willing to write grants and find sponsors to help pay a minimal fee to the performers if possible. Many are local and will perform for free, but if funding is acquired, the performance quality can be increased. Attached is a copy of the proposal for 2009. Mr. White is requesting that the 1201 collective host five (5) concerts to be held every Friday from August 7 to September 4, 2009. Concerts would begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 9:00 p.m. They would like to provide a different genre of music each week. They are willing to provide the sound and all the bands, and to work with Mr. Aspell in doing so. Staff would additionally recommend that a vendor be allowed to sell food at the events (similar to the vendor for the City's Thursday night cancert series). Due to the tough economic times, now is a great time to work with local talent, and a local non-profit group to provide a venue for local musicians to play and concerts for the public to enjoy free of charge. The parks continue to be busier than usual in the down economy, and citizens are always seeking opportunities for recreation. G:\DevServicesWanis Steele\Word Files\Staff reports�2009\May\Concert SeriesWrtist Showcase.doc Staff Report "Artist Showcase" Concert Series in the Civic Center Park Page2of2 May 21, 2009 Recommendation: Staff recommends that the City Council approve this concert series as part of the City's parks and recreation services, and act as a co-sponsor with the 1201 Collective, waiving the fees for the amphitheater and providing insurance at a cost not to exceed $600.00 from account No. 110-4610-453-3092. Staff also recommends that the City Council direct Staff to find a food vendor for the event, and authorize the City Manager to enter into a contact with said vendor. Submitted By: Departme t ead: J nis Steele omer Croy arks and Recreation Services Manager ACM for Dev I pment Services Approval: , ; G����� Jo n Imuth Paul Gibson Ci anager Director of Finance G:\DevServicesUanis Steele\Word Files\Staff reports�2009\May�Concert SeriesWrtist Showcase.doc PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS - NONE VII. NEW BUSINESS A. LOCAL ARTIST SHOWCASE AT THE CIVIC CENTER PARK Discussion and recommendation to the City Council concerning the concert series in the Civic Center Park. Ms. Steele briefed the Commission that Mr. Aaron White, who was an intern in the Public Works Department last summer, came to her at the end of the summer to do a local showcase of artists in the park. She added that Staff wants to start the process right from the beginning to ensure that the event is successful. Mr. White wanted to complete another internship with the City this summer, but the program may not be available. At any rate, Mr. White still wants to provide his efforts and those of 1201 Collective, an organization in the process of getting their 501(c)(3) status to showcase artists and local talent. Mr. White would like to provide the series again with a few concerts in August and September. Mr. White presented a proposal to Staff. Ms. Steele indicated that at this point she did not know where the "Concerts in the Park" series stand right now, if they will take place or not. Ms. Steele added that in her opinion, Mr. White's proposal is one of the opportunities Staff looks for in terms of partnerships to create recreational opportunities for the City. She added that she would like the Commission's support to take this proposal to the City Council for their approval. Ms. Steele noted that the costs involved would be insurance only, which was $300 last year, and indicated that Staff has funds set aside for contracted staff to provide programs. This would be a minimal fee to provide five or six different concerts. She added that the groups would bring their own equipment and would do most of their advertisement. Staff would like to ask City Council for approval to advertise the concerts in the Bright Side and make this a City sponsored event. Ms. Steele commented that there was an article in the Los Angeles Times where the City of Los Angeles in an attempt to keep vandalism down, organized some concerts in the parks, and they saw a drop in the amount of vandalism in the parks. Ms. Steele offered to bring this article to the Commission at the next meeting. Ms. Steele added that Staff believes this represents an opportunity to give adolescents something to do. Staff is always looking for different 24 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWo�d DatalParks&ReclMinutes12009 Minutes147-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 programs, not sports only. She indicated that this age group seems to always be missed, so Staff is recommending taking this proposal to City Council and asking for their support. Ms. Steele noted that Staff is willing to work with Mr. White to make this program happen. She added that Staff would meet with all the bands to review their lyrics and make it very clear that no profanity will be tolerated. Ms. Steele indicated that if the City Council approves this request, she would bring more information to the Commission. Mayor Spiegel asked what the turnout for the concerts was last summer. He understood that it was not that good. Ms. Steele said that it actually was, and they had three concerts before they were cancelled. She indicated that the concerts received a lot of coverage from the newspaper and Staff received many calls inquiring about them. Mayor Spiegel asked who pulled the plug on the concerts last summer. Ms. Steele answered that she was out of town and was not certain. She indicated that Staff is willing to start again and go through the approval process. Mayor Spiegel noted that City Council would convene on April 24 to go over the programs and concerts in the park such as the 4th of July, Golf Cart Parade, etc. Ms. Steele clarified that this program would not fit in that category, as Staff is not looking for that type of funding. Commissioner Dawson moved to approve Staff's recommendation to present this proposal to the City Council for approval. Commissioner Guyer pointed out that he would like to consider some support on the security aspect of the event, especially if the concerts become popular, and there is no charge for attending, the Commission and Staff would not want to go to City Council and ask for money to make the events safe. He thought this was worth considering. Commissioner Schukart seconded the motion. Commissioner Schukart reiterated that he agreed that security is highly recommended. In his experience at College of the Desert with this type of events, he has seen 99% of the kids behaving well, but it only takes one or two to misbehave. He thought that it would be wise to have one or two security officers present. Chairman Barnard asked if there were other comments or discussion. 25 G:1DevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12009 Minutes147-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 Commissioner Housken asked if there was paid security in the past at the Thursday night summer concerts. Staff answered no. Mr. Craig De Witt commented that at the District concert events they have police and private security. Commissioner Guyer commented that the Thursday summer concerts were very casual. Commissioner Schukart offered to talk to Mr. Clayton Mace, the Director of the Public Safety Academy. They have students who are in the program to become sworn officers, who are currently cadet students. As part of their educational requirements, they are assigned work-study hours, and this could be a good program for them because they are uniformed but they do not carry weapons. Ms. Steele offered to join Commissioner Schukart to talk to Mr. Mace. Ms. Steele thought this would be a good start and offered to discuss it with Lt. Shouse also before taking this item to City Council. Vice Chair Dash asked who would be ultimately responsible; he commented that he heard the word "raucous" twice, and wondered who would be present either before or after at these events. Ms. Steele answered that Staff would be present and will review the wording and the lyrics. She welcomes anyone else who may like to be present and share the responsibility of making sure the concerts are safe. She added that she was present in the past concerts except for the last one when she was out of town. She noted that there will be a City Staff person present as well, and there will be clear guidelines of what is expected from the performers and attendees. Mayor Spiegel suggested making sure someone gives them the "ground rules". Ms. Steele indicated that she would do that by having them sign a waiver, and that if there are any violations, they would not be allowed to perform again. Chairman Barnard asked if there were additional comments. There was none. Commissioner Dawson moved to approve Staff s recommendation to present the 1201 Collective proposal for a Summer Concert Series to the City Council for approval, and for Staff to include security at the 26 �:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParks6ReclMinutes12009 Minutes147-09.min.docx PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 7, 2009 concerts. Commissioner Schukart seconded the motion that passed with an 8-0 vote with Commissioner Munson ABSENT. VIII. COMMENTS Commissioner Schukart commented that he heard rumors about the reemergence of the aquatic/community center. He asked if there were any facts associated with these rumors that he may need to be aware of. Mayor Spiegel answered that he did not know of any. Commissioner Guyer asked if Commissioner Schukart meant start discussing it again. Commissioner Schukart answered yes. Commissioner Guyer joked that he did not know of any, but would like to start that rumor. Commissioner Schukart heard someone say that the City was going to build a pool, but not the whole community center concept in the park. On a second occasion, someone else said that the City would receive some "stimulus funds" for the pool project. He heard these two comments in the same week, so he thought he would ask. Ms. Steele answered that she knows that the stimulus money indicates very clearly that the funds cannot be used for aquatic facilities. She has not heard of any discussions taking place. Commissioner Dawson asked about the bylaws. Ms. Steele answered that Ms. Monica Loredo was getting them ready and they will be included in the next agenda. IX. ADJOURNMENT Upon motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Schukart, the meeting was adjourned at 10:25 a.m. Monica Loredo, Recording Secretary 27 G:IDevServiceslMonica LoredolWord DatalParksBReclMinutes12009 Minutes147-09.min.docx a m ese Summer Concert Series 2009 (August-September) Presented by The 1201 collective in Tandem with the City of Palm Desert (Visit us at 1201collective.com) Introduction The 1201 collective would like to work with the city of Palm Desert to set up a concert series aimed towards families and youths this summer. By starting early, we will have enough time to formalize a schedule of bands, contact the appropriate media groups and find sponsors to help with any costs. With that, I hope that this concert series goes ahead so we can show how much we've grown to the city in terms of organizing and to bringing together our community. Thank you, Aaron White 1201 Collective Concert Series at the Palm Desert Civic Center Park Proposal This proposed series is a partnership between the city of Palm Desert and the newly formed 1201 collective, a group that is in the process of becoming a not-for-profit organization, with a focus and dedication towards community development and education through both art and music. As a co-founder of the 1201 collective, I can assure you that we are well on our way of being granted non-profit status and hope to one day open a venue for local music here in Palm Desert. We believe that local music is a source of entertainment in the valley that has relatively few places in which to surface. So, we decided that if we were able to set-up shows with the City of Palm Desert that we'd derive a mutual benefit. The city would gain recognition as an open and friendly environment to younger people aged 15-26, and our collective would achieve one of its primary goals of extending music and its accessibility to the general public. A. Economic Development 1. Local talent from other cities in the Coachella Valley will bring more people to the City of Palm Desert. 2. These people will eat at our restaurants, spend money at the mall before the concert, and get gas in Palm Desert. 3. If bands come from outside of the Coachella Valley, these bands and their guests will stay at hotels, hopefully in Palm Desert. 4. An incentive for families with adolescent youth to young adults to stay in Palm Desert. This sounds extreme but many people feel that they're marginalized and without something to do in the City. B. Set-Up times and pull-down 1. These concerts will begin at 6 pm and end at 9 pm 2. Set-up will be at 5:00 p.m., allowing for sixty minutes to set-up. It generally takes twenty to thirty minutes to fully set-up, but the extra 30 minutes are in case of technical difficulties. 3. Pull-down for the event will begin promptly at 9:00 p.m. so as not to conflict with the city sound ordinance. C. Prospective Dates at the Park 1. August 7th (Friday) 2. August 14th (Friday) 3. August 21 St (Friday) 4. August 28th (Friday) 5. September 4th(Friday) D. What materials we have 1. Several bands interested in playing have a"PA" system allowing the instruments to channel and plug in with one another. 2. All the instruments necessary for bands to play, although we'd prefer if each band brought their own instruments to avoid any conflicts that can occur in that situation. E. What is needed 1. All that is necessary is clean-up facilitated by City Staff 2. We'd like to be granted usage of the amphitheatre for this concert series. What else is Necessary? Q: Will we need security? A: We don't feel we will need security although we would like to have someone from the parks and recreation to assist in clean-up. The police station and its proximity to the park is a pretty good reminder that security is close at hand should they be necessary. Q: How much will the event cost the City of Palm Desert? A: We hope to find business sponsors in the community over the next several months to reduce the costs of insurance the city has to pay and to cover the cost of personnel who help shut down the event and clean-up. Q: How many people are expected to attend the event? A: We would anticipate over two-hundred and fifty people. If the event is publicized properly, I think we can draw a larger crowd. Q: Are all the bands local? A: We'd like to have two out of three bands each Friday be local. We'll bring one outside band in the hopes of drawing an out of town audience that may come with the touring band, if sponsorship is secured. Q: How will you advertise? A: By contacting the Desert Sun ahead of time as well as the local news stations, we can freely publicize our event as well as posting the event series over social networking sites such as Facebook and Myspace in order to attract more youths that stay in the Coachella Valley over the summer. Q: What day of the week will the series take place? A: These concerts will be Friday nights from 6:00 p.m. —9:00 p.m., and each band will have 30- 40minutes to play and 15-20 minutes for set-up and take-down. Q: Will the bands be paid? A: Only if we receive enough money from sponsors and donations. If you have any other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at Falcon1685(a�aol.com or visit our website 1201collective.com and send an e-mail to 1201 collective(�a,1201 collective.com PROSPECTIVE BANDS All bands that play this summer will have to submit their lyrics and a sample of their music to the 1201 Collective and Parks and Recreation Services Manager to review and approve before they play in order to monitor the content and gauge the"attitude"the band displays. Some local bands we'd like to have play this year are: The Hellions (psychobilly) Bedevil (psychobilly) The Deadbeat Daddies (psychobilly) Griefshare (ambient/electronic) Sean Connery's Birthday(Folk) Bryan Taylor(Folk) Motel Monster(Indie) Mira La Luz (Ambient/Noise/Experimental) F.C.P (Folk) Sailor On Shore (Indie/Folk) DreamCatcher(Folk/Acoustic) Dead-End Paradox (Rock) Out of Town bands: Twenty Hands High(Folk/Country) Colby Stead (Indie/Folk) The Pleasure Circus Bands (Circus/ Gypsy) Mike XVX(Folk) Water Color Paintings (Folk) Girl Band (A-capella) Wingnut Dishwashers Union(Folk) We'll identify several more bands over the next month and work with Parks and Recreation to refine and create the music line-ups. All of these bands can be listened to on myspace.com by typing the Band name in the Search Engine. Example of a Flyers: See attached '!'� Cit� a� Pald Desert � _. � � �. �e l�i��di�re y�, �.� _�� �� � Pr�e�t � �ic � The �p�l��tr� {i� lalm D�x�t -P�rk} : _ �1� � �i. .�. 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