Criterion Concert Hall

[soonerguru]

I'm just glad they're getting anybody to play, honestly.

This is very sad.

[Pete]

They have 2 events booked for the remainder of 2018. 2.

- Arctic Monkeys in October
- Brian Regan (comedian) in December

[SEMIweather]

They have 2 events booked for the remainder of 2018. 2.

- Arctic Monkeys in October
- Brian Regan (comedian) in December

For comparison, the Jones has 14 events booked between August 5th & December 5th, and they are a restaurant/bar first and foremost.

[TheTravellers]

Is there *any* chance at Levelland leaving the Criterion, either of their own free will or getting kicked out 'cos they're doing such a horrible job of booking? How do they even make payments on the place or was it all paid for upfront (not likely, but a possibility, I guess)?

[Pete]

They have one $2.4 million mortgage that I know of.

[GoThunder]

They have one $2.4 million mortgage that I know of.

Geez, there is no way they aren’t bleeding money with that kind of payment.

[jonny d]

I would very much be willing to bet they host plenty of non-concerts. Or else the bank would own that building now. I do hope they get more concerts, though.

[Pete]

I would very much be willing to bet they host plenty of non-concerts. Or else the bank would own that building now. I do hope they get more concerts, though.

They only host 5-10 a year.

I have no idea why the bank hasn't taken this back yet, as it's my understanding they are way behind on their payments.

[TheTravellers]

They only host 5-10 a year.

I have no idea why the bank hasn't taken this back yet, as it's my understanding they are way behind on their payments.

Interesting, did not know that. While it would suck to have it repo-ed, that may be what's needed to get someone else in there, *but* is there anybody else that could handle it? Not sure what the booker/promoter situation is here and if any of them have enough spare time/money to do it right.

[onthestrip]

They also received TIF money. Glad we subsidized a place that cant get more than a couple events a month.

[baralheia]

They also received TIF money. Glad we subsidized a place that cant get more than a couple events a month.

I'm pretty sure it's not that the building "can't get" those events - it seems to simply be a total failure on Levelland's part to market the venue and get it booked.

[Bullbear]

they did Host my Company's Event last month so perhaps they have some corporate events now and then?.. not sure.. but I had such high hopes for this place and would love to see more bookings

[Urbanized]

As a regular concert-goer it is maddening that they (even now) get by far the highest-profile shows of all of the venues. I mean, there have been some truly amazing shows there since they opened; shows which never would have been in OKC before Criterion and the other premier club venues opened. There just need to be MORE, for it to be anything worth being excited about.

Meanwhile Jones is booking shows which are at least comparable in stature - Father John Misty being an example - many of them also shows we would not have gotten previously. But I really think the shining star is Tower, which to quote John Houseman is doing things the old fashioned way...they EAAAARNNN IT. Tons and tons and tons of shows and events, and consistent upticks in artist quality. Just some good dudes on an absolute HUSTLE pace, creating a great rep with artists and booking agents. I wish Criterion was hitting on that level, with that really nice sized room. We would at that point have pretty much nothing to complain about in the OKC scene.

[TheTravellers]

as a regular concert-goer it is maddening that they (even now) get by far the highest-profile shows of all of the venues. I mean, there have been some truly amazing shows there since they opened; shows which never would have been in okc before criterion and the other premier club venues opened. There just need to be more, for it to be anything worth being excited about.

Meanwhile jones is booking shows which are at least comparable in stature - father john misty being an example - many of them also shows we would not have gotten previously. But i really think the shining star is tower, which to quote john houseman is doing things the old fashioned way...they eaaaarnnn it. Tons and tons and tons of shows and events, and consistent upticks in artist quality. Just some good dudes on an absolute hustle pace, creating a great rep with artists and booking agents. I wish criterion was hitting at 25% of that level, with that really nice sized room. We would at that point have pretty much nothing to complain about in the okc scene.

fify

[bchris02]

Interesting, did not know that. While it would suck to have it repo-ed, that may be what's needed to get someone else in there, *but* is there anybody else that could handle it? Not sure what the booker/promoter situation is here and if any of them have enough spare time/money to do it right.

Well as far as I know the people running it now are the people who did the Wormy Dog, which wasn't much to write home about. Even with that in mind, I really am surprised the Criterion has done this poorly.

[TheTravellers]

Well as far as I know the people running it now are the people who did the Wormy Dog, which wasn't much to write home about. Even with that in mind, I really am surprised the Criterion has done this poorly.

They also booked the Tower before getting kicked out of there for sucking badly (IIRC) and then Tower started rocking with their shows after doing it on their own (I think they do it on their own, not sure if they have a booker/promoter working for them).

[kukblue1]

what a waste. It's a top notch place really and should be getting acts every weekend. Turn it into a night club if you have too so you can make some money.

[bchris02]

Something is wrong when this is sitting empty yet the Diamond Ballroom is still booking shows.

[Bullbear]

Something is wrong when this is sitting empty yet the Diamond Ballroom is still booking shows.

Right.. I mean STP is playing Diamond. I would think they would do well in this space.

[Colbafone]

Something is wrong when this is sitting empty yet the Diamond Ballroom is still booking shows.

I don't get the hate for Diamond. I get it's not the best location, but it is such a cool venue. Run well, always always always has great acts. I really don't understand why we don't embrace it a bit more. Everyone I know scoffs at it. When people tell me the are seeing someone there it always ends with, "but don't worry, Diamond sucks and I'm only going because so and so is playing there."

Eff that. Diamond puts Criterion TO SHAME. Waaaay less money. Not as big. Not as nice. Awful location. No clue why shows would want to play out there. Does Diamond care? Nope. They continue to book like a major power, and have for the past 15 years that I can specifically remember, and I'm sure it's been longer.

Hate the location all you want, but Diamond is badass, it's a fun venue, and I will gladly continue to go there and speak of it in high esteem.

[TheTravellers]

I don't get the hate for Diamond....

It's just a box with no personality, it's so far away from anywhere I've ever lived in the metro that it's a huge pain to get to, its parking lot is gravel, the "bar" really isn't much of one, the acoustics aren't that great. That's a lot of reasons why people think it sucks. Personally, I don't listen to 99.9% of the kinds of bands it books, but if someone I like is playing there, I'll go. Been there twice since 2009 - Sleigh Bells and X.

[Colbafone]

It's just a box with no personality, it's so far away from anywhere I've ever lived in the metro that it's a huge pain to get to, its parking lot is gravel, the "bar" really isn't much of one, the acoustics aren't that great. That's a lot of reasons why people think it sucks. Personally, I don't listen to 99.9% of the kinds of bands it books, but if someone I like is playing there, I'll go. Been there twice since 2009 - Sleigh Bells and X.

And yet it's more successful than every Bricktown events center put together.

I disagree with you on everything there. To me, that entire building is bursting with personality. I absolutely ADORE the marquee. One of the coolest signs in the city. I forget when it first opened, but I feel like the second you drive up it's like you are whipped right back into the 60's. The gravel, the marquee, the paint color, the wood dance floor, everything about it is just beautiful. There is absolutely nothing like it in OKC, or at least with the history it does. If Diamond was in a better area, like Bricktown, we would argue that it's better than Cain's Ballroom. Admittedly, I'm not much of a drinker, so I've spent very little time at the bar at Diamond, so I can't say one way or the other as to how good it is. But as for the acoustics, I've never had an issue with sound there. It is always powerful and vibrant there. And I believe they've been routinely upgrading their sound system.

I just feel like 99% of people think it sucks strictly due to its location and have not even been there in a decade. The place has a TON of history and it's much much better than anyone here ever gives it credit for.

[GoThunder]

I would fall on the “it’s not a bad venue and sort of unique” side. Last band I saw there was Local Natives and didn’t notice any issues with the sound. Also the bar all the way in the back is pretty large if I remember correctly. Someone correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t they put some money into it 5 or so years ago? Seems like the sound at that LN show was much better than when I saw Jimmy Eat World there in circa 2011.

[TheTravellers]

I would fall on the “it’s not a bad venue and sort of unique” side. Last band I saw there was Local Natives and didn’t notice any issues with the sound. Also the bar all the way in the back is pretty large if I remember correctly. Someone correct me if I’m wrong but didn’t they put some money into it 5 or so years ago? Seems like the sound at that LN show was much better than when I saw Jimmy Eat World there in circa 2011.

Bar in the back is only open when the entire ballroom is open, which it wasn't during either the Sleigh Bells and X shows.

[TheTravellers]

And yet it's more successful than every Bricktown events center put together.

I disagree with you on everything there. To me, that entire building is bursting with personality. I absolutely ADORE the marquee. One of the coolest signs in the city. I forget when it first opened, but I feel like the second you drive up it's like you are whipped right back into the 60's. The gravel, the marquee, the paint color, the wood dance floor, everything about it is just beautiful. There is absolutely nothing like it in OKC, or at least with the history it does. If Diamond was in a better area, like Bricktown, we would argue that it's better than Cain's Ballroom. Admittedly, I'm not much of a drinker, so I've spent very little time at the bar at Diamond, so I can't say one way or the other as to how good it is. But as for the acoustics, I've never had an issue with sound there. It is always powerful and vibrant there. And I believe they've been routinely upgrading their sound system.

I just feel like 99% of people think it sucks strictly due to its location and have not even been there in a decade. The place has a TON of history and it's much much better than anyone here ever gives it credit for.

Agreed, it has lots of history, as a ballroom (opened in 1964) and as a concert venue, but for me, as I said, it's just a box. Marquee is great, but that's not why I go to shows. Acoustics have been better at the shows we've seen since we've been back (moved back in 2009, and the X and Sleigh Bells shows were just in the past few years) than they were when we lived here (until 1995), so I'll give you the improved sound system. I've been to Cain's and there's no way I (and many others) can say it's better than Cain's, sorry. Gravel parking lots suck when you're wearing nice shoes/clothes and it's raining or been raining. If I was 20 again and into the metal type of bands they book, it'd be great, but I haven't seen 20 in a long time and the metal I like ain't their metal.