Seven Venues Hosts Our Club
Posted by Al Carmichael on Jan 13, 2017
Bill McInnis with speaker John Rhamstine (r)
The Program
Gus Stuhlreyer introduced the speaker, John Rhamstine, the Director of “Seven Venues” of Norfolk. John and his department oversees the operation of the arts, entertainment and sports facilities of the Scope Arena (and the Prism Theater), Chrysler Hall, Harbor Park, the Wells Theatre, the Harrison Opera House, the Attucks Theatre, McArthur Memorial and the Towne Point Park. The department has an annual budget of over $6,000,000 and employs 72 full time people.
In 2016, Seven Venues handled 1,892 events at these facilities with a combined attendance of over 1,280,000 people. They have five event coordinators, and many times have events going on at the same time. They are also involved in many outside activities including art shows, parades, runs and festivals.
Some planned improvements for these facilities among others include, modern LED lighting in Scope, revamping of the Scope Plaza, expanding the Box Office at Harbor Park and improvements to the left field picnic area. They are also assisting the Virginia Stage Company in the renovation of the Wells Theatre.
Seven Venues may participate in these arts and entertainment events in three ways;
- As a landlord – renting the facility
- As a partner with a promoter
- Booking the shows or event themselves, thus taking all the financial risk.
Challenges include:
- Funding (always a challenge)
- Competition from other local facilities
- The aging of the facilities
Growing trends in the business include:
- More security at events
- Greater increase in costs such as Broadway shows and shorter number of event days
- Collaboration with musical and comedy tours
The Meeting
Bob Heely opened the meeting with the signing of “Shine on, Harvest Moon” and “America the Beautiful”. Bob Powell gave the invocation and President Bryce led us in the Pledge to the Flag and the Rotary Four Way Test.
Visitation Report
Bob “Scoops” Powell also updated us on the following members:
- Jean Owens will likely be out another week. Is miserable because she has been house-bound about a month and is getting stir crazy. Appreciates the card we sent.
- Walt Grandy sounded great. Still maintains that he drives better than he walks. Enjoys luncheons with John Lynn and Jim Baker at Citrus, so watch out if you are in that area at lunch when he’s driving.
- Linwood Beckner is doing better. At home since this past Thursday and getting therapy at home. Still cannot drive. Linwood and Frances came by this week to have a cocktail so the neighborhood is getting back to normal.
- Dr. Steve Jones believes his surgery was a success. Has a follow-up visit with the doctor this Friday and hopes to be released.
- Roger Flagg is housebound as he and his wife cannot drive. He sounded good and told me to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
- Ellen Michel – Called, but got answering machine. Tuesday is “Happy Hour” day where she gets wine and hors d’oeuvres.
Introduction of Guests
- Pam Tubbs’ husband, Ace Tubbs
- Rob Cross from the Virginia Arts Festival/Virginia Symphony was in attendance.
Announcements and Club Business
- Lisa Chandler introduced our most recent member, Maureen Grover. Maureen is Vice President of Southern Bank at the Boush Street Office.
Happy Bucks and Fines
- Lisa Sands mentioned the opening of the Opera “Der Freischutz” (the Magic Marksman) coming January 27, 29th and 31st. The performance will be in English.
- Kelly Stefanko congratulated JMU on their victory in the FCS National Championship football game.
- Lisa Chandler was in the Virginian Pilot on Sunday in reference to electronic signs.
- Michael Desplaines returned from his “Key West” trip.
- Linwood Beckner mentioned the birth of his second granddaughter.
- Julie Keesling thanked Ace Tubbs for giving her a ride to Rotary today.
Raffle
Bob Powell was the daily winner of $13, but left the big pot for another day.