The Show Must Go On: Resonance Events Continues to Support Local Artists

The Show Must Go On:
Resonance Events Continues to Support Local Artists

Since early March, Washington State has forbidden all public events in effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These tight restrictions have not only made event venues struggle to survive but have dramatically cut support for artists and musicians. Resonance Events at SOMA Towers has felt the impact. 

Kristopher Jenkins, General Manager of Resonance Events, explained how the venue chose to creatively embrace the challenge.  

“Before COVID-19, we welcomed 70-100 guests each Thursday evening for a performance by local/regional artists. We also added one night of stand-up comedy last fall,” Jenkins explained. “The space was designed to serve many functions; both to present acoustic forms of music, but also to host special events and to be a recording studio.” 

According to Jenkins, Resonance Events was designed to get people interacting and having a communal experience.

“The pandemic hit us hard and will continue to have an impact,” Jenkins said. “Given the focus of our business, we know we're in the final sectors of the economy to be released from health restrictions. It simply isn't safe to gather in groups.”

NEW MULTIMEDIA OFFERING

As a result, Resonance Events has turned their focus to online events. They converted their space into a small broadcast studio, including a new PTZ camera system that allows one engineer to operate all the video, rather than a team of camera operators and engineers. According to Jenkins, the new multimedia product they’re producing is extremely high quality and more affordable. 

“We see ourselves as an asset for community groups, artists and artist organizations, teachers, and small businesses,” Jenkins said. “So, we've invested in something that moderates the overall cost by cutting down on labor.”

This new service can be used to deliver content over live-streaming platforms including Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, and others. It is also being used to record then edit content in post-production. 

PARTNERING FOR SUCCESS

Since mid-July, Resonance Events has been working with the Bellevue Downtown Association and Steve Lemke of Digital Olive Productions to produce two new event series: the Bellevue Summer Music series and the upcoming Bellevue Jazz & Blues series. 

“This partnership has been an opportunity for us to test and create a proof of concept,” Jenkins explained. “We hope that our efforts to deliver virtual content will be embraced by the community and that the revenue it drives will support musicians. Our partnership with the Bellevue Downtown Association is a way to start that engine.” 

LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021

Resonance Events plans to build their own content platform at www.resonance.events, which will allow patrons to subscribe for content. Similar to a Netflix experience for music-lovers, the platform will create a marketplace for artists to connect with their fans and grow support.

 “This is vital right now as musicians have been some of those most impacted by the pandemic,” Jenkins said. “We hope that people consider the value of the contribution that musicians and their music make. If we lose artists in our community, what's the point of living here?” 

Jenkins is hopeful the new platform will be available in early 2021. They’re currently working with a limited number of partners to develop the final product. 

“We are grateful to our supporters for their patience and support,” Jenkins said. “We ask for continued patience as we develop this new business model.” 

To learn more about the new Resonance Events online platform or to get involved, Jenkins recommends you email Resonance Events.

UPCOMING ONLINE SHOWS

The BDA is grateful to have Resonance Events as a partner venue for this year's virtual music series. Watch over 20 FREE performances recorded at the Resonance Events stage during next week's Bellevue Jazz & Blues Music Series. The event will showcase 60+ top regional jazz and blues musicians. You can also watch the 19 performances from this year's Summer Music series, all recorded at Resonance Events.