Bijou story in MetroPulse


Posted by GSMOT(tm) ® , Sep 04,2003,11:20   MetroBlab
A big gap in the story: Why isn't the Bijou presenting music like they used to? That used to be the only place in downtown Knox to see big-name bluegrass and alternative acts. As far as I can tell, the Tennessee isn't doing much of that either these days. What's the deal with the Bijou and the lack of music? Wouldn't that help their revenue situation?


Followups


 Bijou story in MetroPulse

Re: Bijou story in MetroPulse -- GSMOT(tm)
Posted by QuietGuy ® , Sep 05,2003,09:27   MetroBlab
It has to do with AC and the Bijou. The AC people will tell you that the Bijou is very difficult to work with - stage plays take up all the evenings rehearsing. This makes it damn near impossible to have time for load-in, a show and equipment removal. Basically, during the entire time play is in rehearsal or performance, the theatre is otherwise dark.

The other school of thought is that AC has such a sweet deal at the Tennessee that it doesn't make any sense for him to do shows at the Bijou anymore. It just competes with himself. The demise of music at the Bijou almost exactly coincided with AC getting a contract to manage the TN Theatre. The contract gives AC a cut of the concessions - and it gives him a risk pool from which he can book acts. In addition, it pays him a fixed fee each month. It's a very sweet deal for AC - and has been good for the TN Theatre, as well.

Bijou story in MetroPulse

Re: Bijou story in MetroPulse -- QuietGuy
Posted by Downtown Brown ® , Sep 05,2003,11:26   MetroBlab
Two cents worth ...

I believe there is also the issue of "how many seats" each theater has. The Bijou is around 750 and the Tennessee is around 1500. So the two theaters would be looked at for different size show. If, that is, they are available. The Tennessee is currently undergoing long-awaited renovations. The Bijou is being managed by a theatrical company that is not based in Knoxville.

On the other hand, I've been hearing about an upcoming concert planned at the Bijou, so maybe what went around is coming back around.

Bijou story in MetroPulse

Re: Bijou story in MetroPulse -- QuietGuy
Posted by GSMOT(tm) ® , Sep 05,2003,10:14   MetroBlab
Well, the Bijou people appear dumb for putting all their eggs in one basket (plays, musicals) at the expense of some sort of fiscal growth, and if AC truly as a monopoly on downtwon Knoxville bookings of music acts through some sort of exclusive agreement, maybe it's time for the feds to investigate.