Fridays headline: Officials of Falls, LiveNation to meet Nov. 17 about world-class concert events

Officials of Falls, LiveNation to meet Nov. 17 about world-class concert events

NIAGARA FALLS -- Building on the success of its local concert series, the city may add LiveNation concerts -- and possibly a large, year-round entertainment venue -- to its musical resume.

Officials from LiveNation and the city will meet Nov. 17 to discuss the possibility of hosting world-class concert events in Niagara Falls.

"Niagara Falls would be the perfect place for a LiveNation concert, and I look forward to making the case," said Mayor Paul A. Dyster. "LiveNation could be a huge boost to our economy, and bolster our reputation as a tourist-friendly city."

Earlier this month, Sen. Charles E. Schumer sent a personal letter to LiveNation President and CEO Michael Rapino, urging him to meet with city officials.

"These concerts would enable Niagara Falls to capitalize on its existing tourism base, attracting thousands of new visitors who will provide a much-needed shot in the arm for our local economy," said Schumer, D-N.Y. "I know when Live-

Nation visits the Falls, they'll see that our hotels, infrastructure, casinos and -- above all -- the stunning location would make a concert series event a smashing success."

Dyster sees the opportunity to show off the success of the city's Hard Rock Cafe concert series, which drew 60,000 spectators to Old Falls Street, and other local concerts of up-and-coming bands.

He also hopes to draw on the experience of LiveNation -- which has promoted concerts at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center and HSBC Arena in Buffalo -- to test the viability of a large-scale, all-weather venue possibly being built in the Falls.

"One of the things that we're lacking right now is that large events space," Dyster said, noting Live-

Nation's popular House of Blues music halls. "I'd be interested in saying, 'Based on your experience of the market, is this something that might fit downtown?'"

The mayor noted the success of the Hard Rock series, in which the city pays for acts to perform on Old Falls Street. Some surrounding businesses have raised concerns about crowd control and the effects of the concerts. Dyster said Old Falls Street concerts have been successful but have at times reached full capacity.

"There's a limit to what you can go for when you pay acts with not ticketing," he said.

Still, the mayor and Schumer both said any LiveNation opportunity wouldn't aim to replace the Hard Rock series.

"There's certainly no effort to replicate what is already there," said Schumer spokesman Matt House. "We think it will build on the success of the Hard Rock Cafe concert series."

Dyster said the meeting is part of the city's plan to build a reputation as a musical outpost, something he said has contributed to the revitalization of other cities like Austin, Texas.

"If you get Niagara Falls a reputation as a place to listen to music on every level, from the band playing in the park to a LiveNation concert, ultimately that is going to benefit everybody," Dyster said.

cspecht@buffnews.com null