A lot can be learned from losing $50,000 in revenue in one year.
The concert planners at the Social Planning and Events Committee found that out the hard way last weekend.
By bringing in lesser-known Sonic Youth, Cat Power and Citizen Cope to play Spring Fling, the concert board managed to attract a meager crowd of fewer than 400. In dollar terms, that equates to about $10,000 in revenue, a far cry from the $60,000 take a year ago.
To be fair, this was a more successful concert than in years past in purely financial terms, losing just $37,000 compared to much larger deficits from previous concerts. And it is good to see that SPEC Concerts is keeping an eye on costs. Specifically, moving to Wynn Commons was a wise choice, as it is not only a more fitting venue, but also less expensive than Franklin Field.
This year was a disappointment, but that only means that next year will be an improvement. SPEC should learn from its failed experiment that name-brand acts sell tickets, and other do not.
There were constraints this year that will be alleviated next spring. SPEC's budget will get a $35,000 boost, and it is imperative that the next committee show that the money has been earned by putting on a better show.
To do this, SPEC should consider being flexible with the concert date. If a top-flight act will play only Thursday night, then book it. If the ticket prices have to be adjusted to reflect the talent, then do it.
All that matters for students is that they get a show they want to see. If that criterion is met, then SPEC can stop worrying about losing money and start counting profits.
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