The shows will go on in Port Moody.
On Tuesday, March 26, council voted to extend for two more years an agreement to waive rental fees at Inlet Theatre for a series of musical concerts.
In a report, Devin Jain, the city’s manager of cultural services, said the Inlet Theatre Music Series, organized by longtime musicians and promoters Bill Sample and Darlene Cooper, has “filled a gap within the cultural landscape of Port Moody.”
He said the up to eight concerts a year presented during the fall, winter and spring months have “brought a consistent and professional music series to the community.”
During a presentation to council on Feb. 27, Cooper said several of the concerts have been sellouts, drawing patrons from as far away as Bellingham, Wash.
“We’ve put Port Moody on the map as a bit of cultural hub,” she said, adding the series has also been well-received by the artists.
They’ve included local acts like the gypsy jazz ensemble Van Django and touring award-winners like Blue Moon Marquee.
Cooper said the quality of the musicians can’t be supported by ticket revenue alone and the city’s continued commitment, as well as help from sponsors and a corp of volunteers backstage and at the front of the house will keep the series affordable. Prices for advance tickets for shows in the series’ second season ranged from $20 to $35.
Jain said while the Inlet Theatre can accommodate only about 200 patrons for concerts, its technical features and acoustics have made it “a wonderful venue for live music.”
But, he added, the city doesn’t have the resources, staff or industry connections to be able to take full advantage of the facility on its own.
Jain said waiving the rental fee for the music series for another two years will cost about $3,712 annually.
“This is a good return on investment to the city and residents,” he said, adding Port Moody will also continue to promote the series in its regular community newsletter, on its website, social media channels and digital signs.
There is one more show remaining in this season's series; Canadian folk-rocker Roy Forbes appears April 27.
