THE LAS VEGAS SHOOTING: How Will the Live Music Industry Respond?

(Photo credit: Eva Rinaldi via Flickr)

THE LAS VEGAS SHOOTING: How Will the Live Music Industry Respond?

Wednesday // October 4, 2017

“Pray for Paris,” “Pray for Manchester," “Pray for Orlando," and now, “Pray for Las Vegas”. The slogans ring all too familiar, and prior to each event, all unprecedented.

Of course, none of these attacks were linked together in relation to the shooter, motive, nor region.

The Bataclan attack was part of a series of coordinated Paris terrorist attacks on November 13, 2015, where 89 of the 130 killed were attending the Eagles of Death Metal concert.

On May 22, 2016, 22-year old Salman Abedi bombed the outside foyer of an Ariana Grande concert, killing 22 and injuring 116.

The terrorist attack on Pulse Nighclub in Orlando, Florida, hit closer to home for Americans when 29-year old Omar Mateen killed 49 people and injured 58 in the deadliest hate crime against the LGTBQ+ community and deadliest U.S. mass shooting at the time.

The 2017 Las Vegas Strip Shooting, or the Route 91 Harvest country music festival shooting, took Pulse’s spot when 64-year old Stephen Paddock opened fire from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, overlooking the crowd of 22,000 concertgoers. On October 2, 2017, Paddock fired shots for ten minutes, killing 58 and injuring 530 innocent people.

The only thing that connects these events together are the events themselves. We attend music events to celebrate music, life and loved ones. We put aside about our troubles, disagreements and hardships in our lives for a few hours, or sometimes a few days at a festival, to unite in the form of music.

Live Nation, the same promoter for the Ariana Grande concert where the Manchester attack occurred, has promoted Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas for four years. On Monday, the company issued a heartfelt statement regarding support to victims and their families following the aftermath of the horrendous tragedy. The statement also thanks first responders and other employees.

The company also states, “And while we are stunned and grieving over this incomprehensible act of violence, we know that this is a moment when we must come together to prevent more tragedies like this from occurring.”

Each of these events then questions the effectiveness of security. How do we secure the inside? How do we secure in the perimeter?

And now, an even more frightening question: How do we secure an aerial attack several football fields away and 32 stories high?

There are two areas to focus on. First, how do we prevent individuals from transporting several boxes of high-power ammunition into an upper-level hotel room? And how do we protect innocent concertgoers on the ground from the external danger? 

Regarding hotel security, none of the hotel employees noticed anything out of the ordinary in Paddock’s hotel room or behavior. In fact, Steven Adelman, vice president of the Event Safety Alliance, said “[Paddock] would have eluded attention anywhere,” CBS reported on Tuesday. He added that the only sure-fire way to prevent weapons entering hotels would require impractical airport-style surveillance.

Mac Segal, head of Hotel and Fixed Site Security Consulting at AS Solution, told USA Today that hotel security would never anticipate this type of attack.

The ESA’s statement on the shooting reads, “Our industry is more united and resolute than ever in the advancement of robust security protocols to ensure the safety of our cherished guests, artists, and crew. However, sometimes there is never enough..we will continue together to advocate for increasingly effective safety measures at events around the globe.”

When something this devastating occurs due to the threat external to the facility, event promoters find it more difficult than ever, if not impossible, to predict or take account for what is going on outside of your facility.

“The venue, Live Nation, and the various promoters are all focused on securing the facility. This threat was external - via the hotel, where they have no jurisdiction or operational control or ability to manipulate the variables around security…” said Chris Robinette, CEO of Prevent Advisors, a security consulting company, Variety reported.  

Therefore, this type of attack calls for large outdoor event organizers to observe event regulation in regards to evacuation procedures and the event location, such as events next to high-rise hotels.

Standing room festival seating easily sparks chaos in response to a disaster such as this.

“There are no aisles, no direction and the crowd density is high. A lot of people are all leaving at once, they can’t find a way out and there is no one to give direction,” said Paul Wertheimer, head of Crowd Management Strategies, to USA Today.

Segal added the lack of pre recorded announcement at Route 91 Festival accounted for much of the confusion for the attendees in regards to some kind of direction on where to evacuate.  

As for events adjacent to high-rise buildings and hotels, security professionals and promoters suggested expanding the perimeter around these types of targets, the New York Times reported on Tuesday. But, Adelman adds, “Do you not hold festivals near hills or tall trees?”

All of these questions are seemingly becoming the new norm for security professionals, event venues and event promoters. Robinette urges that working with law enforcement officials in the area of the event and security professionals in surrounding buildings must both have a plan to respond to any catastrophic event.  

Living in a world where we cannot prevent or predict every threat may be the inevitable. As for concertgoers, music brings people together in joy. Whether or not these events stop people from obtaining that joy, our law enforcement and security officials must put disaster plans into place now more than ever.

With all four senseless tragedies that are difficult to understand -- Manchester, Paris, Orlando and Las Vegas -- the one thing we know we can act on, is to be prepared.

YAYOI KUSAMA'S "INFINITY MIRRORS" TO RETURN TO THE BROAD

"Infinity Mirrored Room - The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away", 2013. (Source: The Broad)

YAYOI KUSAMA'S "INFINITY MIRRORS" TO RETURN TO THE BROAD

WEDNESDAY // SEPTEMBER 13, 2017

For those who have only experienced Yoyoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room - The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away” exhibit on Instagram, do not fret. The Broad Museum in Los Angeles is holding the show once again this upcoming October through January 2018. Even better, Kusama is exhibiting six additional infinity mirrored rooms, LAist reported back in August.

We know what you’re thinking, “but tickets sold out two weeks ago." 

On Monday, the museum announced an added 40,000 tickets for the special exhibition will go on sale on Monday October 2 at 12 p.m. for $25 each.

It is important to note that the ticket sale process is different this time around. At 11 a.m., The Broad will hold an online waiting room on its website. Come 12 p.m., the museum will inform you whether or not you have received access to buy tickets.

In other words, the museum will select a lucky 40,000 people at random. If you become not-so-lucky, 50,000 standby tickets will be available throughout the exhibition’s duration, at $30 a pop.   

Access the waiting room by visiting https://www.thebroad.org/

For first-timers, here is some information you may need to know prior to attending:

• The museum only allows visitors 30 seconds for each of the six rooms, so snap your photos quickly.
• Outside of the Infinity Mirrors, Kusama’s other works of art, dating back to 1965, is available for viewing as long as you please
• During the exhibit’s two-month run, the hours are as follows:
  • Tues/Wed: 5-7 p.m.
  • Thurs/Fri: 10-11 a.m.; 8-9 p.m.
  • Sat: 9-10 a.m.; 8-10 p.m.
  • Sun: 9-10 a.m.; 6-8 p.m.

Kusama, an 88-year old Japanese artist, is known for bringing us into her iconic kaleidoscopic spaces, or better stated, Kusama’s world.

Her 2013 exhibit, “Infinity Mirrored Room -- The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away”, features dozens of hanging LED lights from the ceiling and is covered in mirrors. Kusama used various media, including wood, metal, glass mirrors, plastic, acrylic panel, rubber, LED lighting system, acrylic balls and water.   

About Yayoi Kusama

Yayoi Kusama was born in 1929 at Matsumoto, Nagano prefecture, Chubu, Japan. According to The Broad, Kusama was diagnosed with a mental illness which caused her to experience hallucinations. These hallucinations caused distortion with colors and shapes in her vision of the world. Her work is viewed as someplace between representation and abstraction. For Kusama, her work is merely representation, but for others, clearly abstraction.

The Broad notes her 33 ft. long by 10 ft. high abstract painting at the Stephen Radich Gallery in New York in 1961. At this time, artists expression works on large-scale canvases , and Kusama’s painting was significant because of the tiny brush strokes that created it.

Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room -- The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away 2013, creates a multitude of lights that reflect and visually expand the entire room. This sense of infinity represents Kusama’s view of the world since her early years of age. Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room” was so successful and widely popular, even Adele used it as her music video backdrop for “When We Were Young”.  

According to the LA Times, the new exhibition with the six additional rooms titled, “Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors”, displays a 70-year old portfolio of Kusama’s work.   

#HURRICANEHARVEY Damages Houston's Theater District, NY's B'way❤ Concert to Fund Repairs

The Alley Theatre

(Source: The Alley Theater, Facebook)

The Wortham Center - Houston Ballet Academy

(Source: @miaballerina06, Instagram) 

The Alley Theatre

(Source: @alleytheatre, Facebook.com) 

#HURRICANEHARVEY Damages Houston's Theater District, NY's B'way❤ Concert to Fund Repairs

FRIDAY // SEPTEMBER 7, 2017

On August 25, 2017, Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast, leaving behind a path of destruction and devastation among millions of residents across the Gulf Coast. According to CBS News on Monday, the Category 4 hurricane has caused a death toll of 63 and may continue to grow as search efforts progress.

Last Thursday, ABC News reported that Harvey  has destroyed an estimate of 30,000 to 40,000 homes. In addition, about 15,000 calls for assistance have been made to the Houston Fire Department and more than 1,000 rescue related calls per hour to the United States Coast Guard.

Houston’s theater district experienced massive damage and flooding prior to fall performance season planned for next week, Live Design reported on Wednesday. In response, the New York broadway community will present B'way❤Houston: A Concert To Rebuild Houston's Downtown Theater District on October 9 at New York's Midtown Manhattan’s The Green Room 42 at Yotel, Playbill.com announced on Tuesday. 

One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to repair efforts at the Houston Theater District. For those who cannot attend, the event will stream live with an online link to donate. Ticket prices begin at $100. You may purchase tickets here.

Hosted by Seth Rudetsky, the lineup presents big names from Broadway in order to provide aid for the Houston Theater District's recovery. The lineup includes the following: Ali Stroker, Jessie Mueller, Nikki M. James, Andy Karl, Orfeh, Tony Yazbeck, and more, listed on Playbill.com.

The Houston Theater District needs all the help it can get. On the theater’s Facebook post last Monday, Theater District Houston Board Chair Perryn Leech and CEO Kathryn McNiel discussed the following buildings that experienced the most damage: 

The Wortham Theater Center

High water levels damaged the front of the theater due to a low level. In addition, water surged onto the Brown Theater stage through the back of the house. Fortunately the Cullen Theater stage experienced little damage but unfortunately the building’s basement is full of water.

Jones Hall for the Performing Arts

The rehearsal room which is located in the basement, experienced the worst damage and currently contains standing water.

The Alley Theater

The good news: lobby areas and Hubbard Theater are both in good condition; the bad news: The Neuhaus Theater, lobby and electrical systems are fully submerged.

The Hobby Center

The loading dock area of the foyer in Zilkha Hall experienced some water penetration.

In addition to these buildings, the district’s garages are completely submerged underwater.

The end of the Facebook post  reports, “Officials will continue to assess the buildings over the coming days and updated reports of conditions will be issued as appropriate.”

However, this is not the first time Houston’s Theater District has experienced substantial flood damages. Although Tropical Storm Allison in June 2011 was not considered a hurricane, the storm trapped tremendous amounts of water, the The Washington Post recalls in an article that compares Harvey to Allison.

In September 2011, Houston Chronicle reported that Jones Hall, Wortham Theater Center and the theater garages cost the city more than $27 million, with more than $7 million spent on the Alley Theater. The 250 million gallons of water took 50 days to pump out of all the garages. After that, workers pulled out 150 vehicles and worked a vigorous two months for seven days a week. Short after, the both the district and the garages opened up to the public again.

Back then, individuals had proposed building a wall against Buffalo Bayou or establishing heavy doors as a tunnel system closure to prevent the flow of water.

Unfortunately more than a decade later, the theater could not prevent such a catastrophic storm such as Harvey. For now, the broadway community is stepping above and beyond to support each other in a crucial time in need. 

UPCOMING TOURS: COMEBACKS & CLASSICS

© [@olgavisavi] / Adobe Stock

UPCOMING TOURS: COMEBACKS & CLASSICS

WEDNESDAY // AUGUST 22, 2017

An oldie but a goodie. From returning 90s alternative rock bands to historical music icons, these are the shows you won't want to miss!

Foo Fighters

10/7 - 12/12

The North American tour kicks off on October 7 at Cal Jam Fest in San Bernardino, CA, alongside over 19 bands including Queens of the Stone Age, Cage the Elephant and more. After Cal Jam, Foo Fighters will play at 26 venues until December 2017. Dave Grohl cut his self-proclaimed one-year hiatus six months early to write the band’s ninth album, Concrete and Gold, set to release September 2017.

Evanescence

10/14 - 12/19

Evanescence is back and better than ever with their new album, Synthesis, and a three-month tour featuring a full-blown orchestra this fall. The band’s first album since 2011 includes both new tracks and re-recorded tracks such as “Bring Me to Life”. The tour begins October 14 in Las Vegas and ends December 19 in Portland.

The Used

10/27 - 11/29

The Used is hitting the road with Glassjaw with tour dates from October 27 through November 29. The Utah-based, post-hardcore rock band released their first album in 2002, parted ways in 2015, and reformed last year for their 2016 tour to celebrate their 15-year anniversary.

The Eagles

9/30 - 10/27

The Eagles announced more tour dates this upcoming Fall that will take place from September 30 through October 27. The short, six-show tour includes new additional members Vince Gill and Deacon Frey, son of Eagles founder and guitarist Glenn Frey who passed away early 2016.

Guns N’ Roses

9/3 - 11/29

The band has been touring nonstop since the reunion of Slash and Duff McKagan in 2016, and have had no problem selling out venues across the country. July marked the 30th anniversary of the Guns N’ Roses first album ever, Appetite for Destruction, as well as when the band announced additional tour dates in the U.S. 

Elton John

10/11/17 - 3/2/18

After selling out much of his 2017 Australian tour, Elton John will perform several shows in Las Vegas at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace this fall through early 2018. The 31-platinum solo artist returns to perform following an illness that resulted in multiple show cancellations earlier this year.   

ELATION LIGHTING ILLUMINATES CONFINED SPACES

WEDNESDAY // AUGUST 16, 2017

While many appreciate the masterminds behind a full-blown light show illuminating an entire stadium, working with a small space nonetheless calls for imagination. Take a look at two lighting companies featured on Live Design Online and ET Now Online respectively that applied Elation Professional lighting products flawlessly.

1. Tirso Lighting Recreates New York City's Arka Lounge

(Source: elationlighting.com)

For 16 years, the Arka Lounge was positioned among the top hottest nightlife destinations in Manhattan. According to ET Now Online, Tirso Lighting redesigned and redefined the Arka Lounge into the Arka Room last December, in hopes to form a new identity while keeping strong connections with Arka Lounge regulars. Tirso Pelaez, owner of Tirso Lighting, aimed to create the venue with a capacity of 200 seem bigger without losing its intimate vibe.

Pelaez used Elation as a solution for the Arka Room’s requirements. He positioned the 12 Elation E Spot III LED moving heads over the dance floor to create a compact moving light effect. The bright, 90W fixture contains white LED, dichroic colors and rotating-interchangeable gobos to match the small room size.

According to Pelaez, the hybrid moving heads work for the venue in two ways. One, it allows him to switch from a broad wash to a narrow pinpoint, creating versatility in such a small environment. Two, the moving heads are LED, eliminating the $165 charge for each bulb replacement.

Pelaez lined the venue perimeter with Elation’s Sniper 2R multi-effect lights, featuring a hybrid beam, scanner and laser simulator. His purpose was to cast a quick-moving light that completely covers attendees. Palaez was pleased with the Sniper’s versatility, speed, and impressive ability to add visual effects during live performances.

In order to highlight performers on stage, Pelaez placed a compact ACL 360i LED lights with a 4 degree beam and 360 degree rotation in the back of the stage. Pelaez also used a SixPar 200 LED Par lights as a static stage wash, to light the stage from both an upstage and downstage position.

To combat with the 12-foot tall ceilings, Pelaez utilized black reflective panels to enhance both the space and the lighting, doubling both. Last but not least, the room features LED video panels.

---

2. Adam Labay & Taran Allen Transform Detroit’s El Club

(Source: etnow.com)

Before El Club became one of the hottest nighttime venues in Detroit, the club was simply built as a banquet hall almost 68 years ago. According to Live Design Online, El Club owner Graeme Flegenheimer renovated the space inside out, and installed a brand-new lighting and sound system. The underground venue with a capacity of 300 features a wide variety of acts which colludes with Flegenheimer’s diverse taste in music.

Adam Labay of Future Weapons Laser & Lighting Design and Taran Allen stepped up to the challenge of executing a lighting design to match the club’s diversity. Since its founding in 2016, El Club houses a Elation Professional Lighting rig, highly exceeding Flegenheimer’s expectations.

Labay describes the system’s lighting effects as a one-of-a-kind, very unique aesthetic. El Club’s Elation lighting rig runs from a HedgeHog 4s lighting console. Its elements include:

• 12 ACL 360 Bar LED moving bar effects
• 12 compact ACL 360i beam effects
• 8 Elar Ex Quad Par HP LED lights
• 6 Sniper 2R effect lights
• 6 Colour Pendant LED color-changing downlights
• 8 Protron 3K LED strobes

In addition to the lighting rig, Antari HZ-350 hazer and Antari Z-500 II fog machine creates mid-air projection canopy and fog effects.

After applying the new system to El Club’s first show, both Flegenheimer and artists were overjoyed with both the quality and versatility. He loved the idea of bands leaving their own lighting behind or even plugging it in the system.  

Labay and Allen customized the Elation lighting rig to adapt to the vibes of each and every band, regardless of diversity levels. For example, the system can produce a goth vibe, a strobe-light dance party, or a rock-n-roll environment.

Along with versatality, Flegenheimer describes the energy and symbiotic nature the lighting system enhances between the audience and the artist.

ABOUT ELATION PROFESSIONAL

Elation Professional has award winning, innovative products among the top brands in the industry. Since 1942, Elation has assisted designers and producers achieve their vision. Elation is a privately held corporation, headquartered in Los Angeles and sells to European countries. Elation offers stage lighting designed for the following markets: Theatrical and concert stage, production, studio/broadcast, House of Worship, corporate AV, exhibitions, night club / leisure, theme parks and cruise ships. Elation aims to provide technology solutions which perform to the riggers of the lighting and video industry. 

For more information, please visit elationlighting.com. 

TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE: TRUCKING HAZARDS, CROWDS, AIRBNB GIVEAWAY & FESTIVALS

© [@leekris] / Adobe Stock

Today's the last day to enter Airbnb's Total Eclipse Giveaway!

THURSDAY // AUGUST 10, 2017

What is it?

According to NASA, on August 21, 2017, North America will see an eclipse of the sun. Anyone lucky enough to fall within the Path of Totality will see a total solar eclipse, where the moon completely covers the sun for approximately two minutes and forty seconds.

The Path of Totality covers the following 14 states: Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The last time a total eclipse has occurred in the United States was in 1979.

Traffic Hazard Concerns

Freightwaves.com reported that the eclipse may cause potential dangers for all Americans on the road involving distracted drivers and a total eclipse of the road, causing people to pull over on dangerous shoulders.

In fact, the Federal Highway Administration released a fact sheet that says 200 million people, or a little less than ⅔ of the country, live within the Path of Totality. They also advise that August 21 is not the day to schedule work zones and detours. Click here for a list of driving safety tips during the eclipse.

Crowds & Festivals

According to KGW, more than 100 festivals and events will take place in several cities across the country before and after the day of the eclipse. Keep in mind, the eclipse will only last two minutes and forty seconds. That doesn’t stop these towns from throwing some serious parties.

Oregon is the very first state to view the total eclipse. The Oregon SolarFest in Madres is a four-day festival to celebrate. The small town’s 325 hotel rooms and 5,000 campsites have been fully booked for over two years. Oregon’s Willamette University will hold a viewing party with American Astronomical Society scientists who are willing to answer one-on-one questions.

Jefferson, Missouri is holding a three-day festival including pub crawls, fun runs, street parties and BBQs. SolFest 2017 in Nebraska will celebrate with food, drinks and various forms of entertainment.

The Amelia Earhart Airport in Kansas even offers plane rides at their Eclipse Air Fest. First Tennessee Park will boast science demonstrations and performances by the Nashville Symphony. South Carolina, is the last state to view the eclipse, with viewing parties in Charleston museums, and wrapping it up with a DJ beach blowout on the Isle of Palms.

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any more ridiculous, Krispy Kreme is offering a first-time-ever chocolate glazed eclipse-themed donut. This tasty treat is available from August 19 to August 21.

Airbnb Total Solar Eclipse Experience Giveaway

Hurry up and enter before 11:59pm tonight (8/10), for a chance to win the ultimate experience for two in a geodesic dome situated in the Oregon wilderness. The trip includes boarding a private jet to view the eclipse above the clouds.

One day prior to the eclipse, two lucky winners will dwell in a geodesic dome near Smith Rock. The dome will be furnished with several telescopes on the observation deck.

Hosted by Dr. Jedidah Isler, a National Geographic Explorer and international scholar, you will spend dinner under the stars and ask her any questions about outer space. You will also have a chance to meet Babak Tafreshi, a National Geographic photographer and science journalist, who will teach proper skills on photographing the sky.

The next morning, you’ll launch into the sky on a private jet and fly along the Path of Totality, being one of the very first people to view the eclipse of a lifetime.

Enter here: https://www.airbnb.com/night-at/solareclipse

HEY, CHICAGOANS! CAN'T MAKE IT TO LOLLAPALOOZA?

(Photo by Dimitry B.)

Attend these August Events in Chicago

THURSDAY // AUGUST 3, 2017

Whether your festival tolerance is no more or you want to save a dime, there are plenty of August events in Chicago away from the festival scene. Here are our picks from TimeOut Chicago.

1. Chicago Air & Water Show

It is not everyday you get to see combat jets perform air and watercraft demonstrations right above your hometown at zero cost. The U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are coming to Chicago for two days to put on a show above North Beach. Don’t miss out on these amazing aerial stunts - did we mention it’s free?

• Where: North Beach Chicago - 1551 N Sheffield Ave.
• When: Saturday 8/19 & Sunday 8/20, both at 10am
• Price: FREE

2. Wizard World Comic Con - Chicago

Calling all comic con lovers! Wizard World is unlike any other comic con event; this convention celebrates the “best of” North American pop culture. Main attractions include a solo performance from KISS frontman Gene Simmons, one-of-a-kind merchandise, industry professional led workshops, celebrity guests including Doctor Who’s David Tennant, ER’s Alex Kingston, Stranger Things’ Gaten Matarazzo and Caleb McLaughlin, and so many more! Fans across the board gather for movies, television, music, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys collectibles, original art and world-class programming. Visit wizardworld.com/comiccon/chicago for more information. 

• Where: Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont - 555 N River Rd. Rosemont
• When: Thursday 8/24 - Sunday 8/27 
• Price: $40-$60 (prices vary per day); Weekend Pass: $94

3. Tuesdays on the Terrace

If you’re really trying to stay away from festival chaos and weekend crowds, the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Tuesdays on the Terrace might be the perfect evening for you. The free concert takes place in the Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden, featuring Chicago’s world renowned jazz community musicians. Sip on seasonal cocktails or dine from the outdoor grill, MCA Cafe, while enjoying the music on the lawn or upper terrace. The event will continue through Tuesday, September 26. We hear the buffet is pretty tasty, too.

• Where: Museum of Contemporary Art - 220 E Chicago Ave., Chicago
• When: Every Tuesday through 9/26, 5:30-8pm
• Price: Free concert; $27 optional buffet

4. Lady Gaga Live @ Wrigley Field

This may be near the Lollapalooza price range, but perhaps a concert sounds more appealing than a festival - especially a Lady Gaga concert. Gaga will perform at Wrigley Field following her 2016 album Joanne. According to TimeOut Chicago, Gaga will be the very first woman to headline at Wrigley Field. The “Bad Romance” singer and choreographer never disappoints with performances you will never forget. Standard-priced tickets may be sold out, but you may check out ticketmaster.com resale tickets at ticketsnow.com.  

• Where: Wrigley Field - 1060 W Addison St., Chicago
• When: Friday 8/25, 7pm
• Price: Resale ticket prices vary on ticketsnow.com

5. The Chicago Hot Dog Fest

Certainly not your average music festival, but rather a historical, over 100-year old event. In fact, according to the city of Chicago’s website, five years ago The three-day Chicago Hot Dog Fest became the largest festival year in the world to celebrate the frankfurter. No, you won’t have to watch contestants stuff as many hot dogs down their throats in record time, but rather enjoy some of the best hot dog vendors throughout Chicago. In addition, live bands will perform Friday through Sunday, including headliners Sixteen Candles, Prince Tribute by Robert Cornelius & Friends, and Mike & Joe. For more information, click here.

• Where: Stockton & LaSalle Dr., Chicago
• When: Friday 8/11 - Sunday 8/13, 11am
• Price: Suggested $5 donation, suggested $20 family donation
  • Hot dogs: $4-$8
  • Visit eventbrite.com for discounted dog dollar packages

6. Northalsted Market Days

Celebrating its 36th anniversary, the Northalsted Market Days returns to Chicago Boystown for two days in August. The largest outdoor street festival in the Midwest features over 40 live entertainment acts, food, arts and crafts, food and drinks and several vendors. Join hundreds of others for this year’s event stretching across six blocks on Halsted Street. For more information, click here.

• Where: North Halsted Street between Belmont & Addison in Boystown
• When: Saturday 8/12 - Sunday 8/13, 11am - 10pm
• Price: Suggested $10 donation

MENTAL HEALTH & THE EVENTS INDUSTRY

 (Photo credit: Patient Care Technician)

Is there a major issue? 

TUESDAY // AUGUST 1, 2017

“I work best under pressure," or “if it weren't for the last minute, nothing would get done."

Events industry workers may familiarize with these statements, or statements along the same idea.

According to the CareerCast.com study of the top ten most stressful jobs in 2016, an Event Coordinator ranked number five.

The study analyzes the various factors gathered from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, other government sources, trade associations and private survey firms. These include emotional factors, such as the level of competitiveness and the level of public contact; physical demands on one’s body; stress factors such as the amount of travel required, deadlines and physical risks.

EventIndustryNews.com released a podcast titled “Health & Wellbeing in the events industry: do we need help?” The podcast revolves around the topic of stress management within the events industry and several methods industry leaders provide adequate resources for those who may benefit, including the launch of a brand new resource, EventWell.org.

According to the President of the  International Live Events Association (ILEA) UK Chapter Alistair Turner, major implications for event industry workers include:

• Amount of sleep
• Nutrition before, during, and after events
• Heavy workload with few individuals involved
• Time spent recovering after an event
• Access to support, advice and education

Podcast Host James Dickson, Managing Director of Eventprofs Who Lunch (EWL) Club UK Helen Moon, and Turner all encourage individuals to realize the difference between good and bad stress. For instance, good stress is associated with positive outcomes, such as seeing your event come together.

Moon describes this "good" adrenaline buzz people experience after planning a large event for months and months. Of course, people stay in the industry for that very reason.

However, Moon explains, “what goes up must come down,” referring to the dramatic adrenaline drop after 16-18 hours of incessant work without thinking to rest, eat, or drink, taking a huge toll on the individual that goes unnoticed by the industry.  

So, why has it taken this long for ILEA to realize this issue when approximately 25 percent of event industry workers may experience a mental health issue? Allister explains the guilt he feels over the lagged response to health and wellbeing in the industry.

Allister put together a program two months prior to this podcast, and found a genuine concern, frustration and fear event industry workers feel regarding their own personal well being. Allister explains how the industry leaves workers to handle issues on their own, which may result in people leaving altogether, potentially losing talented individuals.  

Of course people are aware of what the job entails. Sometimes one cannot avoid receiving four hours of sleep. However, Moon describes how the industry can help make sure they receive the best four hours of sleep.

Moon launched Eventwell.org as a resource for events industry workers to access education, support, and confidentially share personal challenges with others without feeling stigma or prejudice from their fellow colleagues.

Allister believes EventWell.org will start a conversation to better help understand unique pressures within the industry, despite the events experienced in their personal lives. If industry leaders cannot understand these pressures, Allister contests that the challenges outside of the job feel ten times worse.

The biggest takeaway from the website launch, Moon explains, is that stress is normal and does not mean one will develop mental health issues. Rather, “it is all about taking care of ourselves and knowing where to go for that help and assistance,” Moon says.

When individuals complete projects within the last minute, the industry must realize huge workloads do not provide any other option. Industry leaders must understand these effects and better educate these individuals in the field on the help and support available to their team.  

You may listen to the entire podcast below.

FREE MOVIE MONDAYS

(Photo by Joesan Diche)

Kick the Monday Blues at Segerstrom Center for the Arts

FRIDAY // JULY 21, 2017

Returning to work after a weekend of fun is always tough, especially during the summertime. Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa, CA, has you covered with easing the Monday blues by opening their lawn to the public for free Movie Mondays through August 7.

There are only three Movie Monday events left for the remainder of the Summer. Movies include: 

• July 24: Stand and Deliver (1988)
• July 31: Edward Scissorhands (1990)
• August 7: School of Rock (2003)

The public may set up their chairs and blankets on the lawn at 5:30 p.m. before the movie begins around 8 p.m. You can locate the center’s map here. You may bring snacks, or pick from various food trucks on-site. This Monday’s trucks include Richeeze Grilled Cheese Truck, Ninjas with Appetite, and Chunk-n-Chip.

Segerstrom Center of the Arts is a 14-acre campus that both enlightens and unites the community with inspiring performances and artistic education. The center offers various theatre camps and classes, including Summer at the Center’s camp to empower high-risk high school students, and even a new dance and music school for children with disabilities. Segerstrom Center for the Arts has a reputation for giving back to the community, and Movie Mondays is only a fraction of its selfless actions.

For more information, visit https://www.scfta.org/MovieMondays .

AFFORDABLE AUGUST FESTIVALS

Attend These August Music Festivals Without Breaking the Bank

MONDAY // JULY 24, 2017

Summer may be approaching its last month, but that doesn’t mean the concerts have to end. Well, maybe not according to your wallet.

While festivals make us think of Coachella, Stagecoach, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, or Outsidelands, there are several other unique events that fit the end-of-Summer budget. What better way is there to end summer than taking a festival road trip? 

1. Project Pabst (21+)

A two-day festival at Portland’s Waterfront Park that combines art, food and music at a “non-festival” price. Another fun quirk includes an old school PBRcade, a hands on PBR Vandalism van art canvas, & PBR Wax, a recording studio that allows festival goers to record demos and take home a vinyl 45.

• Where: Portland, OR
• When: August 26-27
• Lineup: Iggy Pop, Beck, Die Antwoord, Nas, Father John Misty, Spoon & more!
• General Admission: 2-Day: $99; Saturday: $99; Sunday: $65

2.  Arise Music Festival

Arise Music Festival is located on a beautiful 100-acre mount valley on Sunrise Ranch that incorporates music, yoga, camping, workshops, theme camps, art galleries, activism & more.

• Where: Loveland, Colorado
• When: August 4-6
• Lineup: Atmosphere, Tipper, Lettuce, Beats Antique, Ani, DiFranco, Rising Appalachia, The Expendables, Brother Ali, & more!
• General Admission: 3-Day (includes walk-in camping): $229; 1-Day (Friday/Saturday/Sunday): $99

3.  MAHA Music Festival

This Midwest one-day festival is a nonprofit organization that has since drawn participants from 46 states. The festival celebrates other local nonprofits on festival grounds and on stage, providing attendees with a hands-on experience to fight for various causes such as mental health awareness. This festival is unique with its free parking, free water stations, only two smoking sections, and the ability to leave and return to the venue before 6:30 p.m.

• Where: Omaha, Nebraska
• When: August 19
• Lineup: Run the Jewels, The Faint, Sleigh Bells, Belle and Sebastian, Built to Spill, The New Pornographers, Priests, Torres, High Up, Downtown Boys & The Hottman Sisters
• General Admission: $55

4.  Das Energy Festival

 For electronic music lovers, this festival returns for its fifth year at The Great Saltair. The festival promotes high energy and dancing, featuring V2 Performers sure to inspire the crowd with dance.

• Where: Salt Lake City, Utah
• When: August 18-19
• Lineup: Zedd, Knife Party, Diplo, Adventure Club, Claude Vonstroke, Getter & more!
• General Admission: 2-Day: $115; 1-Day (Friday/Saturday): $70

6.  WE Fest

WE Fest has since become one of the biggest country music festivals in the country after its 1983 debut. WE Fest outshines other typical festival conditions with its venue development, including running water and on-site permanent restrooms. Perched on Soo Pass Ranch, WE Fest also offers 9,000 campsites on the shores of Lake Sallie.

• Where: Detroit Lakes, Minnesota
• When: August 4-6
• Lineup: Luke Bryan, Zac Brown Band, Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker, Brett Eldredge, Alan Jackson and more!
• General Admission Price: 3-Day: $175; Single Day: $105

And if you’re still in festival mode this September…

7. Ohana Fest

 The Ohana Festival takes place where the grass meets the sand of Doheny State Beach with a killer view of the Pacific Ocean. This 3-day beach event offers craft beer, wine, cocktails, local restaurants and food trucks. To preserve our beaches, the festival actually donates part of its profits to the San Onofre Parks Foundation and the Doheny State Beach Interpretive Association.

• Where: Doheny State Beach, Dana Point, California
• When: September 8-10
• Lineup: Social Distortion, Eddie Vedder, Jack Johnson, Pixies, Haim, The Naked and Famous, and more!
• General Admission Price: 3-Day: $275; 1-Day (Friday/Saturday/Sunday): $99.50