Katie Spaziano | General manager, Waterfront Concerts at Bold Point Park
1. How did this summer’s lineup of 17 shows and festivals at BPP compare to previous years? Our first season was very short with only a few shows. Last year we had 13. With this year’s 17 we think we are moving in the right direction.
2. Can you estimate the financial impact this series of concerts and festivals has? While we have not yet completed a financial impact study … we estimate that the average indirect spending is $255,000 or more per show. We believe that as we continue to invest in this market, we can continue to grow that figure for the East Providence and Providence communities.
3. Which local businesses have you partnered with? We work with a wide variety of local businesses. … Our box office is located at Jordan’s Liquors in East Providence. Nearly all of our food trucks/vendors are Rhode Island-based. Hear In Rhode Island, a local nonprofit promoting [local] musicians, books musicians for our “Point Stage.” We have other nonprofit partners, including Golden Buzz (saving bees!) from East Providence. … Many businesses have joined us this year as sponsors, including: Tockwotton on the Waterfront, The Washington Trust Co., Waterson Terminals, Grieco Automotive Group, Seasons Corner Market, T.F. Green Airport and Providence Picture Frame.
4. What’s planned for next year? Every year our goal is to offer our guests a fun, exciting and unique venue to listen to incredible music right here in Rhode Island. … And if half the acts come through [that we’re planning on], it will be our biggest season ever.
5. How is Waterfront Concerts funded? Waterfront Concerts is a privately funded company. We are one of very few independent music promoters left in the country but are lucky to partner with the Boston office of Live Nation, which provides access to its amazing touring roster. We leverage public and private partnerships in order to bring world-class music to venues throughout New England. Due to the various sizes of the venues we operate and partner with, we are often able to accommodate music agencies and their clients that typically include a variety of bands in both genre and popularity. This flexibility is one of the main reasons why we have success attracting bands to our venues, including Bold Point Park.
Elizabeth Graham is a PBN staff writer. Contact her at Graham@PBN.com.
