Staff Writers
Published: March 30 2005
Hammer, drill, and saw wielding workers fill the half completed Jean and Paul Amos performance studio with the sounds of progress. But being constructed in this moment is much more than another addition to the television studios at WSRE. It is nothing short of an exciting and new era for the musicians and performers of Pensacola.
Yes, O.K. Why another performing arts center? Hey, I certainly would have erected a bikini car wash that serves fruit smoothies 24 hours. But, after getting the opportunity to see the studio I can honestly say I am glad that I was not on the planning board to foil their brilliant plans.
I can agree that we do have quite a few venues already providing music and theatre. We have the Old Town Tavern, the Belmont Arts Center, we’ve got the American Legion Hall, the Performing Arts Center’s at both PJC and UWF, Seville Quarter, New York Nick’s, the Handlebar, Sluggo’s, and End of the Line Cafe. And at all of these places you can find music and art performances throughout the week. But do they broadcast their shows live on TV?
With over 650 seats to fill, the new performing arts center holds great potential to provide many services previously unavailable to local artist and individuals looking to be entertained in our community. These opportunities include the exciting possibility of a live or pre-recorded television show that features the local talent of musicians and other performing artists of this area. And this is something that local musicians are extremely excited about.
Damien Louviere has been performing here in Pensacola for the last five years and has become a pillar of the local music scene. With “The Bottom Feeders” he has played more than 500 gigs in the last four years. Yet, he feels that the Pensacola area is not able to provide local songwriters and performers with the same opportunity as other equally sized cities.
“I’ve actually been seriously considering moving to another town where the music scene is better and there is more opportunity. [As a musician] you can make money in this town, but if you’re trying to pursue a career as a musician playing original music, it is hard to find success. This town needs venues that will encourage artistic growth.”
And WSRE has responded with the building of the new Jean and Paul Amos performance studio. And not only will this studio provide musicians with a professional space to perform and broadcast their art form, it will also bring other opportunities to our community.
“This performance studio opens new job opportunities.” Sandy Cesaretti-Ray, WSRE general manager said.
But will this be another venue that is limited to the “Fine Arts”? Will it be accessible to musicians who perform more pop oriented music, or music like hip-hop or electronica that is constantly pushed out of the high end, modern theaters and performance centers?
“We have no qualms leasing the studio to anyone as long as they provide acceptable performances. We are interested in bridging the community and providing local programs that can be aired in our area of broadcast,” Roland Phillips, WSRE assistant general manager, said. The WSRE studio currently covers South Alabama to Destin.
“That definitely would help out local musicians,” Will Fink, local violin virtuoso and Northwest Florida Bluegrass Fiddle and Mandolin champion said after a gig at UWF’s center for fine and performing arts. “Not everyone is going to go out and see live music, but almost everyone will turn on the television set.”
Louviere echoed Fink in his response to the news of the new studio.
“I think this studio could give musicians an incredible opportunity to get exposure for their original music and recognition for their true talent and creativity.”
As Cesseretti-Ray and Phillips, with genuine excitement, explained what every last inch of the room will be used for and what every exposed wire would be eventually connected to, I spaced for a moment and that was it. I was lost. I was lost in possibilities, in opportunities; my usual silly daydreams (remember the 24 hour bikini car wash and smoothie center) were replaced by a vision of what could be, here at the WSRE studio.
Endless plugs dangled freely from a square metal frame hanging from the high ceiling. The metal frame will support lights and these lights will be bright and colorful, and it will be these lights that will shine on our friends, our families, and possibly our children. And it will be these plugs that power these lights that will illuminate paths to beautiful beginnings; paths to new careers for those who are struggling, and those who will struggle, so intensely everyday to get their art and their music out into the world and into the hands of those who need it most.