LISA HOBBS – News Editor
On Fire Concerts says it will stop using Park Theater due to a fee increase for out-of-town promoters seeking to provide a for-profit concert Monday through Thursday, once its current obligations have been met.
A Nashville-based, 20-year-old live music promoter, On Fire Concerts specializes in country, gospel, and bluegrass shows. It’s concerts at Park Theater are held on Thursday nights.
Park Theater Manager Joe Harvey proposed a $250 increase to members of the city’s Parks and Recreation Committee.
“Last year, we did a pretty big rate adjustment for Park Theater. We brought things up to where we thought they needed to be. Now, this year, after watching renters over the year and comparing our margins and stuff, we want to tweak one small part of it. It’s the Monday through Thursday rental rate for the out-of-town concert promoters. Right now, it’s sitting at $1,200 for a 10-day rate. That’s fine on the initial one, but when we move to a multi-day rate, the margins get more narrow than we like for all we provide. We really try to provide a turn-key service for somebody that’s coming in and wanting to put on a concert.”
Harvey says the increase is reasonable and $1,450 is still a $200 discount from the weekend rate.
Warren County Way attempted to touch base with someone at On Fire Concerts for comment. Used was the contact portal on its website. An email submitted questioned whether the $250 increase would negatively affect future concerts. The reply received was simply, “Yes.” A follow-up question of “Could the $250 make you reconsider hosting concerts at Park Theater in 2027?” received was “Yes, it will stop me from doing them there after what is already locked in.”
Warren County Way questioned twice the identity of the individual who replied to the questions from On Fire Concerts, but that information was not readily provided.
Committee members Aldermen Steve Harvey and Deitra Dunlap approved the increase. Alderman Kara Youngblood was absent.
The new structure begins Jan. 1, 2027. Approval from the Board of Mayor and Aldermen is not required.