Reading the front page story in the Auburn Journal on Monday 2/23/09 about the recommended direction for the State Theater in Auburn by San Francisco consultants Venuetech reminded me of the definition of a consultant; A consultant is someone who borrows your watch to tell you what time it is.

Venuetech is recommending live performances in the 447 seat theater by the likes of the New Christy Minstrels, The Kingston Trio and even Broadway touring companies. They estimate the talent cost to be $7,500 to $15,000. If you do not see a major problem with this picture let me outline it for you.

What is the target audience they are planning to attract? Randy Sparks was the founder and original lead singer of the New Christy Minstrels. He is now 75 years old. The people he recruited to perform as the New (Old) Christy Minstrels with him are not far behind him in age. Who exactly would go to see a folk singing group that was popular forty years ago? And how much would they be willing to pay for a ticket? I’ll answer that. I was a young adult during the folk singing era in the sixties and used to be a regular attendee at Ledbetter’s, a night club owned by Randy Sparks on Westwood Boulevard in West Los Angeles, where he and other groups, like the Minstrels, used to perform. I would be willing to pay $10 to $15 to see them again for some nostalgia.

However, the economics do not pencil out. 447 seats x $15.00 a ticket = $7,155, which may cover the cost of the talent, but would leave no money for the other expenses, such as staffing, utilities, advertising, etc., associated with hosting a concert event.

How much would you be willing to pay to see has-beens and other “D or C” list entertainers? Mainstream contemporary artists cost $30,000 to $50,000. If you think the State Theater can financially support a Broadway touring company to come to Auburn, think again. They tour with complete stage sets and scenery, large casts, support staff and orchestra. $15,000 would be just about the price of the deposit.

Here is some FREE advice for the Auburn Performing Arts Center board; Hold on to your watch and anything else you are wearing because you could loose your shirt on this pipe dream… and invest in a calculator.