Summer in the City considers scrapping big concerts

The days of festival headliners may be coming to an end according to Summer in the City board members who spoke with Steinbach city council at Tuesday’s strategic priorities committee meeting.

With the festival running a close to $30,000 deficit in each of the last two years, board members told council they are looking for ways to save money.

One of those is with headliners, a cost they say they simply can’t continue paying.

Board chair Audrey Harder said it costs nearly $150,000 for “a decent band”.

“We can’t afford that, there’s no way,” she said.

Festival Operations chair Graham Pollock agreed saying what cost them $65,000 five years ago is now in the $100,000 U.S. range.

Though neither concert sold out last year, both did well.

And ticket prices have been kept reasonable.

Last year tickets for the James Barker Band were sold for $45.

Pollock said the band performed the following weekend in Yorkton, Saskatchewan, selling out with ticket prices from $75 to $85.

The board is considering other options such as moving Cultures in the City to the larger stage during the day and hosting a Manitoba social style event featuring Manitoba bands. They’re also considering adding tribute bands or simply removing one concert.

This year the Friday night headliner is High Valley and Harder said they have to sell 815 tickets just to pay for the band.

For city councillors the math seemed simple.

Coun. Susan Penner said if bands cost $150,000 but only bring in about $70,000, the answer is obvious.

The board is also encountering a difficult fundraising year saying many long-time sponsors have taken a break from supporting the festival.

Harder says that’s likely because there are so many initiatives and organizations in need.

“Sometimes we’re all competing for the same dollars,” she said.

There are continuing highlights of the festival that are coming back.

New last year was the Amazing Race in the City, an event that proved very popular.

This year will once again feature cultures, artists, seniors activities, kids events, street arts, Wonder Shows, sports, worship and more.

Summer in the City takes place June 13 to 15.