“In general, crowds seem to be shrinking across the board. We deliberately sought out a smaller [capacity] room with stupid low overhead and intend to turn it over several times a day, at least on weekends. [We’re] going for a packed-out calendar, and I think that'll help mitigate the stress from smaller crowds the Springfield market provides. We're not paying rent on another 3000 square feet that we only use once a quarter when a show happens to do really well... we're designed to run lean and host several events daily.”
I asked co-owner of Moontown Sound, Matt Baker, to offer me a few salient points about their new venue/venture and this was really the thing that stood out. After several years of experience with his production company The Dancing Soundman, Matt thinks he and his business partner, David Bates, have hit upon a formula that not only will allow a space to thrive, but help to bolster the music scene at large:
“We've always felt we can elevate the live music experience, make it safer, more comfortable and ultimately more accessible with intention and thoughtful consideration of presentation and production. And, through that means, hopefully we can reinvigorate the music scene, and capture more market share for live music events in general.”
“We are a great stage that happens to have a bar attached, not the other way around, the music and art will always be our main focus.”
Situated in an old shopping center at the NW corner of National and Commercial, it’s not the most glamorous location and, for the moment, you still have to look to find the door (per Baker: “Signage is lacking currently, but give me a few good weeks, and it'll get much easier to find”). However, once you’re inside, there is one of the most thoughtfully put together rooms in town.
You can come see for yourself! Moontown has no less than two shows tonight: At 6:00 p.m., KSMU’s own Eddie Gumucio along with local favorites Shapeeater and, at 10:00 p.m., there’s the Late Night Lunar Dance Party with DJai Byrd.
So, check out Witches by Shapeeater, think about giving a new room a chance, and we’ll see you next week!
