Resonance Events Reopens With New Ideas & Big Improvements

July 13, 2021 - by Kensey Wentworth

Resonance Events Reopens With New Ideas & Big Improvements

Since last March, tight restrictions on in-person events threatened the survival of many local event spaces. Resonance Events felt the impacts. After what could be described as a 'long intermission', Resonance Events is reopening their doors to the first in-person show this year on Friday, July 16.

Kristopher Jenkins, General Manager of Resonance Events, explained how the venue survived a 16-month ban on in-person events.

“We were the first to close our doors and the last to reopen them,” Jenkins explained. “The adoption of virtual tools allowed us to produce a handful of live stream concerts, many in collaboration with Bellevue Downtown Association, but as the grip of the virus worsened last fall, it became increasingly risky to work with others, even in small numbers.”

While the shutdown impacted the business’ bottom line, it also crushed several partnerships and local events that Resonance Events helps facilitate. According to Jenkins, student recitals were postponed, and relationships with local music teachers, patrons and event clients were cut off.

The closure was difficult and complicated, but John Su, owner of Resonance Events and Su Development, kept things going.

“I personally want to thank our owner, John Su and Su Development, for maintaining a commitment to keep Resonance Events alive long enough to see us through the end of the shutdown,” Jenkins said. “It's great to work for and with people who value people.”

During the shutdown, Resonance Events made significant improvements to the venue. Enhancements include new stage lighting, new staging elements, upgrades to sound control systems, and the adoption of a multi-camera streaming technology with a local video partner, Digital Olive Productions.

Hybrid events are a new focus for Resonance Events. In preparation for their re-opening, they launched an online subscription service, Overtone Series, that gives access to livestreams and digital content.

“We've made it possible for guests to attend events in-person or livestream from home,” Jenkins said. “We hope our patrons will recognize the value of our new subscription service, Overtone Series, that offers an affordable and convenient way to access digital content.”

Overtone Series Plus subscribers will receive added benefits like free or discounted tickets to in-person events, bar discounts, and exclusive invitations to subscriber-only events.

“It’s the heart of the new Resonance Events experience,” Jenkins explained. “Our website is designed to meld the character of an events calendar with the best of the best video streaming platform.”

To welcome the return of live music, the Gothard Sisters will be performing at Resonance Events on Friday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. More live events are being added to the calendar, with weekly shows throughout the summer.

“I can't wait to get back to normal,” Jenkins said. “Watching our guests gather to enjoy the communal experience of sharing a moment in time, a drink, and the skillful performance of the night's performers; It’s what drives me to do what I do.”

This blog is part of the Heart of Bellevue: our campaign to showcase local businesses while connecting you with stories of activity, creativity and recovery. Find out about our campaign and explore more of what’s happening around Downtown.