Monday, March 21, 2011

The SFJAZZ center: good for the music?

I am subscribed to SFJAZZ's newsletter (it's because I've probably been to one of the jazz concerts organized by them) and found out last week that there is a plan to build a dedicated center for this organization, with concert hall (to host their jazz concerts, of course), recording studio and offices for their staff, right at the heart of the "art and culture" district of San Francisco, near the symphony hall and opera house. They are getting funding to build it. One of the fund is a matching one (i.e., when others donate a certain amount, the fund will donate the same) On one hand, as a jazz fan, I'm excited to see jazz getting its recognition as a high-art form on par with classical and opera. I had the impulse to donate because of the matching fund. However, is having a dedicated building the best way to promote the music? After all, there are already plenty of venues for jazz music. I'm just worried that it will become a white elephant. Will maintanence of such a building result in higher ticket prices or musicians receiving less of the cut? I think instead of donating I'll just attend more jazz shows to support the scene.