Local Concert Venues Take a Hit | ABC30 Fresno

kfsn

By ABC30

Thursday, February 12, 2009

Fresno, CA, USA "The theatre has had to cancel six shows that it was planning to do this spring. Because of various economic factors."

Velmer, says declining audiences and a drop in donations to the nonprofit theatre were behind the decision to cancel the six springtime musical events. Warnors is not alone. Claudia Arguelles who represents SMG, the company that operates Fresno's Saroyan Theatre and the Save Mart Center says those venues are feeling the pinch.

"The market is just slow. A lot of touring acts are opting not ... just to sit this year out waiting for the economy to improve."

Arguelles says major tours are dropping third tier cities like Fresno, to save money. "So, where an act may have come to LA, Fresno and San Francisco, maybe they are cutting Fresno out this year." She said.

One big act that has already cancelled is Mexican Singing Star Vicente Fernandez. The slowdown in the concert business comes after a record setting last year. But ticket sales for the big summer tours go on sale soon but Arguelles predicts ticket sales will be down.

"It's challenging for the venues all over. Our company manages venues all over the United States and everyone is feeling the pinch. We're not insulated from the recession by any means.

The events cancelled at Warnors include, The Spanish Brass Quintet, Red Priest, an Evening with Judy Garland, Julie Fowlis, The Celtic Tenors, The Amsterdam Octet and the La Catrina Quartet. The Duke Ellington Orchestra and War, are expected to perform as scheduled.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

abc30 News Links:
Links to other news sections on our website.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Breaking News Alerts:
Click Here to Sign-Up for Breaking News E-Mail Alerts
Receive Breaking News alerts in your email inbox.

Click Here to Sign-Up for Text Message Alerts
Receive Breaking News alerts right on your cell phone.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------