Criterion Concert Hall

[bchris02]

I think it's going to take some time for this venue to develop a reputation and really get things going. Look at it from a touring band perspective. If Oklahoma is viewed as a one-stop state and you have sold out Cain's Ballroom for several years, are you going to take a risk on some new venue in Oklahoma City when playing at Cain's in Tulsa is an assured success?

I think once the Criterion builds a reputation and/or Oklahoma becomes a two-stop state, it will be more successful, and I believe that will happen gradually.

[traxx]

I think it's going to take some time for this venue to develop a reputation and really get things going. Look at it from a touring band perspective. If Oklahoma is viewed as a one-stop state and you have sold out Cain's Ballroom for several years, are you going to take a risk on some new venue in Oklahoma City when playing at Cain's in Tulsa is an assured success?

I think once the Criterion builds a reputation and/or Oklahoma becomes a two-stop state, it will be more successful, and I believe that will happen gradually.

I'm not sure that they can afford to do it gradually.

I think the way you build a reputation is to book a lot of shows. They're not all gonna be home runs some will be. Then the more that rep builds you can let go of the lower tier shows and start trying to book only the bigger names. If Criterion is taking a pass on smaller shows and just waiting around for bigger names, they're not gonna get anywhere.

Think of it from a band perspective. Smaller, lesser known bands can really turn down a job. They have to be willing to play anywhere, anytime. And through that they build a reputation and are able to start booking better and larger venues. I read a book about the beginnings of Van Halen and they made it by not only their talent but being hard working and playing pretty much any show. A place like Criterion can't really pass on smaller names. They need to build up content.