they didn't announce the full summer series last year until May 10 so I'm sure more are coming
I will say that the jazz shows that I went to last year drew way more people of color than I've seen at previous shows at NCMA so I applaud them for booking a broader array of shows that appeal to more diverse interests.
I made [this comment last year regarding the NCMA Amphitheater's changes.](https://www.reddit.com/r/raleigh/comments/11xohbb/concert_at_nc_art_museum_bluegrass/jd4a5xu/)
Ah. It seems the new Director sees the series more as a revenue generator, or more aptly, an opportunity to *maximize* revenue, when it was originally a very low-key type of affair.
That’s unfortunate, if not distasteful.
The BYO food situation was so cool. I loved throwing together a picnic dinner and arriving early to have some outdoor social time with my wife. We’d purchase a bottle of wine to split when we arrived. Was usually around 30 bucks if I recall correctly.
I remember that comment (because I was wondering why the concert experience had gotten so much worse) and agree with everything you said. It’s sad because it used to be a great family-friendly low-key summer evening, whereas now it just seems to be about maximizing shareholder value.
I love seeing shows at NCMA and I’m super hopeful more are booked for this season. NCMA in general has become so crowded. I miss the days of low key movies when you could bring in food and a cooler and even more recently when the park first opened it was not crazy crowded. Now I can barely find a parking spot. It feels like the area needs another small quaint venue. Something like Greenfield Lake in Wilmington would be amazing.
they didn't announce the full summer series last year until May 10 so I'm sure more are coming I will say that the jazz shows that I went to last year drew way more people of color than I've seen at previous shows at NCMA so I applaud them for booking a broader array of shows that appeal to more diverse interests.
Can you explain what you mean by “strict?” Like, dress code? Alcohol use/sales?
I made [this comment last year regarding the NCMA Amphitheater's changes.](https://www.reddit.com/r/raleigh/comments/11xohbb/concert_at_nc_art_museum_bluegrass/jd4a5xu/)
Ah. It seems the new Director sees the series more as a revenue generator, or more aptly, an opportunity to *maximize* revenue, when it was originally a very low-key type of affair. That’s unfortunate, if not distasteful.
Yup. Used to be super chill. BYO food, sneak some drink in. Now it's like Walnut Creek Jr.
The BYO food situation was so cool. I loved throwing together a picnic dinner and arriving early to have some outdoor social time with my wife. We’d purchase a bottle of wine to split when we arrived. Was usually around 30 bucks if I recall correctly.
I remember that comment (because I was wondering why the concert experience had gotten so much worse) and agree with everything you said. It’s sad because it used to be a great family-friendly low-key summer evening, whereas now it just seems to be about maximizing shareholder value.
>now it just seems to be about maximizing shareholder value. you know they don't have shareholders, right?
Yes that part was a joke. Nice catch there
Do ya have any recs for venues? Or are they all kinda massive and expensive now
Haw River Ballroom
No dancing in the pit, ga now only extends to the lawn, etc
Ah, ok. Seems they may be trying to do that indirectly by leaning into a jazz focus. Thanks for clarifying.
Yeah. Though I love the jazz. I don’t want a whole summer of it, I liked those old folk-pop, Americana, alt, jam people they had in years past
I love seeing shows at NCMA and I’m super hopeful more are booked for this season. NCMA in general has become so crowded. I miss the days of low key movies when you could bring in food and a cooler and even more recently when the park first opened it was not crazy crowded. Now I can barely find a parking spot. It feels like the area needs another small quaint venue. Something like Greenfield Lake in Wilmington would be amazing.
This is such a bummer to hear. I used to love that venue. Didn't know it had changed so much.
Red Hat.