A Call for Fillmor Feedback
So, by now, many of you have visited the Fillmor to satisfy your curiosity or in search of the music venue of your dreams. Certainly, the management is tackling various new-biz issues (I read a CW blog post today with a tale of discontent). But, if this (or any) new business is going to succeed, it needs to evaluate its performance and the feedback of its first wave of customers. What’s working? What isn’t? I have visited, and I gained some definite impressions, but I don’t wish to direct the tone of the content here. I want to know what you (all) think. If there’s praise, I’m sure the Fillmor’s owners will be glad to hear it. If there are gripes or concerns, then they’d do well to listen and address them as needed. I am grateful and impressed that the Miller bros. pursued this project and saw it through against considerable odds. But ultimately, the Fillmor will survive and succeed only if it reflects the mindsets, needs and realities of the community. A lot of work has been done in building and remodeling. But what sort of business has been built and is the project finished or just begun? Has a vision been realized or does one still need to be defined?
Mohawk Matt said:
First off, let me say that I do wish the best for the Fillmor. It would be nice to have a venue for bigger acts in the area.
That said, that’s what it should be. Bigger acts. Not the same cover bands you can get at any other bar on a Friday/Saturday night. Local acts are fine if they are opening for a bigger act, but I’m not going to go to see Avalanche or Blank Fixe at this massive venue, pay a cover, and then pay for overpriced drinks for an unoriginal band.
I am surprised at the very lack-luster opening they had, I expected more. No-name bands opening up what is supposed to be the premier venue for music? Come on guys, I hope you can do better.
The other problem I had is with the manager. If she is going to manage, don’t put her behind the bar. She doesn’t have the people skills to interact with customers.
What did I like? Well, not much, but the place really is built for music. That’s about it.
May 7th, 2008 at 11:48 am #
Tom Neal said:
Thanks, Mo …
Maybe that other “Mo” … “Money” is an issue. After the cost of renovation, is there anything left to hire talent (whether on staff or on stage)?
May 7th, 2008 at 12:43 pm #
Mohawk Matt said:
Well, Money for entertainment should have been put into the business plan. How do they expect to make money if they don’t hire acts that bring in the crowds necessary to run that size of building?
May 7th, 2008 at 2:18 pm #