By BRUCE GOULD, guest columnist

The economic impact of the Brown County Music Center started on the first day of construction.

Due to the large scope of this project, only a few construction companies in the entire state had the expertise and qualifications to even bid on a project of this size. However, dozens of Brown County residents are working for the many subcontractors completing different parts of the project. These tasks would include much of the earth moving, erection of the timbers in the lobby, and all of the stonework being performed by local masons using Brown County stone.

The internet service provider is a local company, and all of the concrete is provided by a local concrete company. Trash removal is performed by a local company, and several local residents are working with the companies pouring concrete, building walls, and installing the plumbing and electrical requirements. The architectural services are also provided by a local company.

Many local businesses have already felt the positive financial impact, from the local hardware store to many local restaurants.

Ultimately, the BCMC will have a positive financial impact on virtually every business in Brown County.

Traffic

The new street providing access to the venue is called Maple Leaf Drive and will have three paved lanes. When guests are arriving for a show, there will be two traffic lanes going into the venue. When the show concludes and guests are leaving, there will be two lanes exiting the venue.

Many guests arrive very early for a show, so the parking lot will fill up slowly, but most guests leave immediately after the conclusion of the show. We expect the entire parking lot to empty out in less than 20 minutes with the assistance of employees manually directing traffic at the intersection of Maple Leaf Drive and State Road 46. There will not be a traffic signal at the intersection.

Food

The Maple Leaf Management Group has recently entered into a contract with DLS Events LLC, a concessionaire that provides refreshment services within many entertainment and sporting venues throughout the country. DLS will be providing all facets of refreshment services for virtually all events at the Brown County Music Center. DLS is based in Los Angeles, but has offices in Indianapolis, along with a commissary, where some food preparation will be performed.

For anyone who may be interested in working for DLS at the BCMC, application information will be forthcoming soon.

In the way of refreshments, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be available as well as food products that can be easily managed inside the venue, such as popcorn and hot dogs.

Refreshment counters are located on both sides of the main entrance to the theater. There will be an outside beer garden area and a family garden area where refreshments can be enjoyed before the shows start or even separate events.

Sound

About a week ago, Steven Durr, the sound engineer whose company is designing and installing the sound system, visited the site to see how construction is proceeding and meet with the contractors again.

Steven was extremely impressed with the design of the building and how it will lend itself to excellent acoustics. Top-notch sound equipment is, of course, a necessity, but so much of what makes the sound perfect is determined by how the different sound frequencies are reflected or absorbed by different types of building materials.

Steven’s knowledge of how to use different types of acoustic materials to provide every seat in the house with a crisp, clean sound is what makes him one of the very best sound engineers in the business.

Bruce Gould is vice president of the Maple Leaf Management Group.

Any questions about the venue can be sent to [email protected].