Malerie Meeker (of PRCL and UVI fame), and also Lyn Adamson, (moving and shaking the Resource Center and Career Link), agreed to be on the advisory board.
I also had visited Mike Elvy, director at the Recreation Complex to check out the arena venue.
It is rather small for a show of this caliber.
Mike suggested the sport fields at Timberlane Park, which is also under his jurisdiction.
We could easily fit 8000 into that field, it is fenced and slightly remote from the residential area.
The power supply might not be adequate, but that propblem can be solved.
Pete Tebutt pointed out that we need to consult with the neighbors in that area, before planning a show there. Very true.
Most recent email to City Hall :
"Dear Mayor and Council, May 23. 2009
I am sending this email requesting to appear as a delegation at COTW 11June /09 before you.
I would like to outline my project: I am creating a community based benefit concert production association, Blue Healer.
The concept is to bring in world class acts, with the goal to raise money for Family Place, and other worthy causes. Currently we are in contact with the Moody Blues' booking agent.
Some of these concerts would be on a larger scale than had been done before in Powell River.
I would like to explore with you the possibility of using Timber Lane Park as a venue, and other relevant logistics such as licenses, policing, traffic flow etc.
Also my intend is to just generally consult with you, and basically ask for your blessing.
Attached is a word document outlining our vision and plans, and also there the link to our website."
The City of Powell River responded with an invitation to appear at the Commitee of the Whole meeting on June,11. 2009 1pm
Be there, if you care to support this effort.....
Other News:
It looked for a few days like a major sponsor stepped up to the plate. (Who may remain nameless, as they later opted out) So I contacted the Moody Blues' booking agent again, in anticipation of a miracle.
and with the support of Pete, Paddy, Carsten and Chris Greenwell, Blue Healer made an appearance before the mayor and council.
The idea was to give a short presentation on the why and how, and to see if the city would be willing to rock'n roll: stream-line venue permit procedures and generally be interested in being supportive of our efforts.
I am happy to report, that there was no shortage of enthusiasm:
Councilor Dave Formosa said that he will support us any way he can, and had a $500 check in my hand before I even left the podium...
Counselor Debbie Dee who is in charge of culture joined as well, and has now an advisory role with our organization. In her past she did no less than three Moody Blues shows, as part of the local production crews. Coincidence or what???
Stan Westby articulated the need to make sure proper procedures would be maintained, however,
from at least two council members since, I received reassurances that the city is now open for business and is willing to streamline processes....
The rules are here for us, we are not here to serve the rules.
Even the cruise-ship-landing-at-the-mill-dock idea in return for tax concessions for the mill, has been considered a vision not too far-out. Dock needs repairs, but, hey , we need to diversify, or not?
Other breaking news:
Valley Building Supplies and Plutonic are in with $1000 each, Dave's Glass signed up, and Gary Dietrich at Modern Windows sounded very turned on by our plans. Once Dan Agius has been coordinated with, they will become part of this....Also Mark at Big O committed with tangible means.
Next stop: Chamber of Commerce.
I am so much encouraged by going over the 5% mark of our production fund goal in less than one month, and this in a 'recession'.
Looks to me like this town is ready to boogie, and to look after our most vulnerable in this fun way.
Please keep helping by spreading the word, turn on you friends, and get the buzz really going.
WE ARE GOING TO PULL THIS OF.
Keep checking back on the site as well for:
Voting (what band do you want to see coming to town?) and pledge-on-line functionality coming up soon.
(I need some help here, if you know a friendly web developer with know-how to share)
Some new stuff has been added: the emphasis on the HOME page has shifted from just doing the Moody Blues show, to first getting the infra-structure in place, to produce all kinds of shows of this magnitude, as well as the Moodies, once we have the resources.
I am looking into getting T-shirts made with the Blue Healer logo including of course Skye's symbiosis painting.
Advertise our cause and look hot and hip while doing so.
