Changes at Revolution Hall?
Back in December we started hearing rumors that Brown's Brewing was taking over operation of Revolution Hall. A bunch of renovations were reportedly slated to come along with the switch in management.
Gregg Stacy, Brown's VP/director of marketing and sales, confirmed in an email to us just before Christmas that they were "in final negotiations" to take over management of the venue and details would eventually be made public. He added: "I can assure you that we will continue to keep Rev Hall as a top rate live music venue."
Nippertown Greg has apparently also heard the Rev Hall rumors and -- after taking a look at the venue's thinning schedule -- worries that the switch will de-emphasize music there.
We sent a check-back email to Stacy this afternoon. If we get an update, we'll post it. The original response is after the jump.
Update: Stacy responded over at Nippertown and pledges that "we will not have less emphasis on music and in fact, the addition of food in Rev Hall will help elevate it to the levels that legendary venues like the Iron Horse in Northampton and World Cafe Live in Philadelphia are - only better."
By the way: Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven are playing Rev Hall Tuesday night. David Lowery and the gang should put on good show. Tickets are $22 at the door.
From the December 23 email:
Hi Greg - we are indeed in final negotiations to assume the management - not purchase - of Revolution Hall in January. As those terms haven't been finalized, we can't really speak to specifics, but I can assure you that we will continue to keep Rev Hall as a top rate live music venue. Once we're able to publicly discuss specifics, I'll make a more detailed formal announcement. We're very excited about the opportunity and are looking forward to getting back in the Hall.Thanks for checking in - I hope to share more news just after the New Year.
Disclosure: Revolution Hall has advertised with AOA.
(Thanks to Anonymous)
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Comments
I don't think the decline in musical offerings is a fault of the management of Rev Hall. Most of the concerts that draw crowds to fill venues Rev Hall's size are booked by Step Up Presents, a name that you'll hear tossed around the music scene a lot locally. When Northern Lights up in Clifton Park went bankrupt, Ted, the guy that runs Step Up Presents -- either as a personal venture or through Step Up, I don't have all the details -- bought up Northern Lights, and as a result, the overwhelming majority of fairly well-established rock shows that used to end up down at Rev Hall are now almost exclusively playing Northern Lights instead.
I wouldn't be at all surprised if the management shuffle came as a result of this loss of traffic.
... said Pete on Jan 11, 2010 at 5:15 PM | link
Though having recently moved away from Troy, I'm still sad to hear about potential changes. I found myself at Rev Hall about once a week for shows and Troy Night Out's. The economy has hit hard on the music/social scene and I hope this upcoming change isn't a result.
... said Emelie on Jan 11, 2010 at 7:16 PM | link
Didn't Rev Hall used to be owned (or managed) by Brown's?
They used to serve only Brown's beer and they allowed you to go outside on the deck during shows/setbreak. LOVED Rev Hall then.
I still like it, but IMO it's gone downhill since those days. Maybe Brown's managing it will make it more like it used to be?
... said Go Phish on Jan 12, 2010 at 9:31 AM | link
Rev Hall still serves Brown's ales. Also, I'm not sure where I heard it, but I think it was from one of the bartenders there, that the music variety has dropped off a bit because they weren't making any "bar money" on some of the rock shows they were getting there, i.e. bands aimed at teens. So the emphasis has been on acts that will draw folks that will also purchase beverages at the bar...Not sure how this venture will affect that approach, if at all.
... said mak on Jan 12, 2010 at 11:47 AM | link
I was heartened to read Gregg Stacy's comments at Nippertown regarding this situation :
http://www.nippertown.com/2010/01/11/wheres-the-rock-at-rev-hall/index.php/comment-page-1#comment-1389
If they truly are taking inspiration from the clubs listed in the comment, then all will be fine.
... said Matthew on Jan 12, 2010 at 12:38 PM | link
Looking forward to Gregg Stacy taking over. I'm sure he'll do an excellent job. The venue has lots of potential.
... said John J on Jan 14, 2010 at 12:28 PM | link