Baltimore Bands Step Up To Help Save Landmark Senator Theatre

David Arquette’s MySpace blog triggers local response

BALTIMORE, Jan. 29 /PRNewswire/ — Popular Baltimore-based bands The Payola Reserve, J Roddy Walston and The Business, and Wye Oak announced today their plans to hold a first-of-its-kind live benefit concert to help the renowned Senator Theatre remain in operation. The concert is a timely response to actor David Arquette’s recent celebrity MySpace blog highlighting the endangered status of “Baltimore’s Premier Showplace.”

The Senator, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is converting to non-profit operation as an enhanced arts and entertainment facility; however the recent economic downturn and fixed overhead costs threaten to shutter the stunning art deco landmark theatre before the transition can be accomplished.

The indie band showcase, co-produced by The Payola Reserve and Manifesto Promotions, is envisioned as “a Fillmore-style rock revue with an arts twist” by promoter Sean Brescia. The concert, featuring an array of popular local bands, film shorts and performing arts, is scheduled for Friday, February 13, 2009. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are available online at MissionTix.com. Proceeds will assist The Senator’s transition into a community owned non-profit facility, offering a wide variety of live music concerts, HD simulcasts, films and special events.

Payola front man Ben Pranger said, “Baltimore has a great arts and entertainment culture where art, design, film and music are converging to define the city socially. The Senator encompasses all those elements and we’re looking forward to showcasing great local music and artists on the stage of a unique performance venue. We’re responding to David Arquette’s MySpace appeal to help save The Senator and getting very positive reactions from everybody, even some early sponsorship commitments. Our fellow bands have indicated they’re on board as well,” said Pranger.

“This is the type of response we were hoping for when we reached out to David as a celebrity who has been to The Senator,” said the theatre’s owner Tom Kiefaber. “They travel around the nation and as a result they understand the importance of preserving a landmark theatre like The Senator that’s still virtually intact. When David and Thomas Jane visited The Senator they loved the place.”

“David responded to our 11th hour appeal and asked MySpace to feature his call-to-action blog to save The Senator from a shutdown, which triggered an encouraging response. Then Sean Brescia contacted me about this sprawling Fillmore-style live music concert,” said Kiefaber. “Thanks to David and MySpace our ‘Hail Mary’ call-to-action seems to be working just in time, like in the movies!”

“We had been at The Senator recently for a screening and reminiscing about theater rock shows,” said Sean Brescia, The Payola Reserve’s manager and event producer/promoter. “When we saw Arquette’s blog about The Senator I called Tom right away and told him we wanted to help. The Senator and historic theaters like it across America are struggling to evolve in a changing marketplace. This is a great chance to highlight new uses and new audiences for these irreplaceable venues.”

Details on the full talent lineup and sponsorship information will be released in the coming days.

    CONTACT:
    Clearpath Management - 866.944.4409
    info@clearpathmanagement.com

    Senator Theatre - 410.960.9941
    info@senator.com

SOURCE Manifesto Promotions