As I sit and write this, it occurs to me that I am not a journalist, nor do I pretend to  be one. Never went to school for it (as you can tell with some of my posts), but I am learning every day, and quite honestly, enjoying every minute of it. So, in conversation with Gary today, I learned a new term. “Hit Story”.  Pretty much that yellow journalism type article that the Hearst papers became famous for, and many papers use to this date. A negative opinion disguised as a news story. A story with a hidden agenda.

The reason this came up, was I read a story in “The Shoreline Times” by Jerome Wilson. This was a “special” to the paper, which to me was not all that special, and was about The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, and the center finding it’s “niche”.  If I did not know the story behind the monumental effort to get this center going, the commitment of all involved, I would be screaming for change. If I did not see with my own eyes the support at the open houses on both Memorial Day, and during the Labor Day weekend, I would question, was it all worth it? But here’s the catch. I have seen the effort, I have seen the public support. I have seen what it takes to start a project and the effort it takes to make that project grow. I don’t care what you heard in “Field of Dreams”.  Even if you build it, it takes a little time for them to come. Time, and a lot of hard work.

Now in this article, it is made to sound like, with few exceptions, that pretty much everything tanks at ” The Kate”, and virtually no one goes.  Please, let’s be a little more fair. Let’s be a little more balanced. Yes, some shows have in fact tanked. No doubt about it. Some shows have sold out, such as  “ Die Fiedermaus” and the other simulcasts have been overwhelming successes.

Here’s another show that Mr. Wilson left out, and a real shame too, as it really captures what having  “The Kate” in Old Saybrook  really means. During that “dismal” month of December, a truly special event occurred. The Small Town Concert Series, led by Matthew Male, and Lauren Agnelli, in conjunction with The Shoreline Acoustic Underground held a fundraiser for the Shoreline Soup Kitchen and Pantry. This was sponsored by Acousticmusic.org, and raised $6,788.00 for a truly worthy cause, including a donation from The Madison Rotary Club. Now tickets were $20, and Cd’s were $10, so do the math. This was pretty amazing, but then when you factor in a matching donation from The Gowrie Group, the total was $13,576.00. Great job by all, and it would not have happened with out “The Kate”.

I will point out that Mr. Wilson does acknowledge the success of two other performances. That of the “Cappella Cantorum” and the play “Wild Blue Yonder” by local playwright Lary Bloom. And here in lies the key. It’s about “finding the niche” as Mr. Wilson points out. It’s about being positive, and emphasizing the positive. Maybe the key to the success of “The Kate” lies in a mix of bringing The Met’s simulcasts, shows such as Toto and The Pure Prairie League, local artists such as Small Town Concert Series to “The Kate“. Next week, The Shiny Lapel Trio and Ryan Hartt and the Blue Hearts will be tearing it up, and The Small Town Concert Series will be back with “Wine, Women and Song“. I would be surprised if these shows do not sell out.

Starting a new enterprise in times like these is not easy. We work our tails off to get exposure, to get the word out there. We all fight for an ever shrinking cash pool. Maybe, just maybe, there are other factors for some shows having poor attendance. But maybe, we should take some time, let “The Kate” grow into the name, and find what works. “The Kate” is not just a business that will be judged by it’s gross income and bottom line. “The Kate” is a symbol. It is about having a centerpiece to rebuild our community, to encourage people to get out and socialize, and become that community again.  It is about giving all the talented local musicians,playwrights, and artists a venue to show all that they have to offer. It is a magnificent building, idea, and concept. A treasure. One that many towns would love to have.

Related posts:

1. An Important Message From Chuck Still, Executive Director, “The Kate”