Dear Editor,
The Brown County Music Center is a jewel in Nashville’s crown and should be recognized as such.
I was surprised when I read this in a Democrat article last February:
“The Brown County Music Center was another hot topic at the meeting. Sanders asked about the potential benefits behind selling the venue. Pittman and Commissioner Blake Wolpert both said that selling the Music Center would not be in the town’s best interest for the foreseeable future.
“Sanders said that all money borrowed for the Music Center has been paid back completely. The Music Center is now bringing in excess and Sanders said that would be a good reason to sell. However, Pittman and Wolpert were unconvinced and put a stop to the idea.”
I also read this in a January article in the Republic:
“The Brown County Music Center has donated $267,000 through management agreements with the county to the Brown County Auditor’s Office and the Brown County Community Foundation…”
It’s pretty incredible that the nonprofit BCMC generates significant cash for the county.
I believe a good chunk of that is related to volunteer engagement.
I am a volunteer at BCMC, a member of the “Red Vest Army” (RVA) responsible for interacting with and assisting concert-goers during events.
Typically about 50 or more volunteers work 5 to 6 hours per show. It is work, but the bonus for volunteers is a chance to see really talented musicians AND to benefit their community.
In fact, I believe many RVA volunteers are there primarily to further the Center’s positive impact on Nashville.
As a volunteer, I get a great sense of accomplishment after working an event. Safely parking 600 cars, checking and seating 2,000 people (in various stages of “happiness”), then doing that in reverse a few hours later, is no small feat.
And kudos to BCMC Executive Director Christian Webb and Volunteer Coordinator Teresa Lutes for their great leadership. They make the place work.
But there are other benefits too.
BCMC has added immeasurably to the Nashville music scene. Old timers will remember the Little Nashville Opry that used to host top tier country musicians and draw big crowds. BCMC is a modern version of that but closer to town and with more diverse talent.
There is a social aspect to being a volunteer. The RVA is a community based team attracting people who want to do some good things and have some fun. Their focus is on making each event safe and enjoyable. We get many comments from patrons about how much they like this venue and the nice people running it.
The economic impact on the city has to be immense. The increased traffic at local restaurants, hotels, and other businesses means profits and more local jobs. I have talked to concert goers from Nashville, TN and Toledo, OH who were amazed by this little theater and town. They will come back to Nashville.
Selling BCMC to a private entity would eliminate volunteer engagement and radically alter this thriving community center for good vibes and tourist engagement. It would become just another less-community-oriented, way-less-cool profit maker for somebody else.
Don’t let that happen!!
Scott Keen
Columbus
