According to the city of hagerstown, and Demcore Development:This year's downtown live event is expecting 8,000 or more people + tourists from all over Maryland, D.C., and Baltimore and who knows elsewhere. Due to the growth of this event, and according to the press kit, the 2nd annual event will gain an enormous exposure to the not only the businesses downtown, but to the advertising of residential and office space that Demcore and other developers are marketing. Also found intersting that part of the proceeds will fund the Barbara Ingram school for the arts slated for opening in 2009. This year there will be more vendors, more activities and etc. However, I have a couple points I would like to address. To begin, I attended the augustoberfest downtown yesterday and saw two hagerstown city council members. They were Kelly Cromer and Martin E. Brubaker. They seemed very supportive of the event. The mayor was supposed to be there but something came up he had to go. Anyway, its a shame that Penny Nigh wasn't standing up there on the stage giving her support or anything. I know the all the other council members are gnerally in support of things that help downtown hagerstown. When Penny Nigh says something about Mike Deming about his big successful events, she only looks at it as a drunk fest. However, the thing that she doesn't tell is where part of the proceeds go to from the event. For example, Deming gave the maryland theater last year $5,000 from profits of the event. This year a lot is going to help the Barbara Ingram school downtown to help fund it. So when someone say that the Demcore company is creating a "Drunk fest" downtown on October 20, 2007, just remember where a lot of that money is going. Its being re-envested into our local economy.

Also, I'm very pleased that the city council has decided to make "BIG" changes to Jonothan street in hagerstown. Project includes new pavemnt of roads, nice landscaping, and major improvemnts on the housing situation in that area. Project should be completed by 2009. You can find this article by going here: http://www.herald-mail.com/?module=display...amp;format=html

Doing something to that street was long over due, a long time ago.

Say what you want about where and to whom the money goes....

But make no mistake...

It's indeed a "drunk fest".

That's right you live down that way, don't you?

So how was it really this year? Was it really as bad as it was last year?

It hasn't happened yet. October 20th.

Last years wasn't too bad since there wasn't that many people there...but there was still much drinking involved and I imagine there will be even more with a larger crowd expected with Clutch playing.

I don't know...Im torn. I know its a good thing for downtown and Hagerstown in general...but it stinks having it right outside my place for an entire two days. (Don't forget...they are setting this thing up the entire night before the event so I won't be getting any sleep). Im sure there are going to be more fights this year than last year just with the types they will be there.

This is a tough call. Certainly bringing thousands of folks downtown is great for Hagerstown. But this event is scheduled in late October, and I don't recall reading anything about a "rain" date in case of bad weather. People are buying tickets to attend this event--where do they go if the weather doesn't cooperate? That many people will not be able to go into the stores and restaurants. I also understand the issues for those folks living in the immediate area. They, more than anyone else, have some understandable concerns, i.e. noise, drunks, etc. I support the concept, but hope it is managed correctly. Otherwise, we probably won't be having this discussion next year.

yeah your right strungout, 4,000 people isn't very many people at all downtown. (thats how many people were at the first downtown live event)

Yes...that's the number that was reported by Deming. But as someone who was there...watching from below and above...I'm not buying it. It wasn't that crowded. Maybe 2 or 3K. Tops. People had fun. They drank and drank some more. Danced. And the drank some more.

There will be more people this year due to the bands playing...without a doubt. But will the businesses that are not owned by Deming benefit for having 6,000+ drunks running around? Maybe. Maybe not.

But...no mistake...it will be a "drunk fest".

ok, I respect you view on the event. I am also not for a drunk crazy fest downtown.

With the Clutch playing?? Thought that was a name for a car part.

What kind of music is that their playing. I'm thinking either Heavy Metal or Rock.

Let's have a date then. Who you are, what you do, when you gonna meet me?

Damn I thought this topic died.

Downtown Live =

Lining Demacore's pockets (so they can buy another eyesore as a tax write off )

No real benefit for the city

Heavy drinking and debauchery

Have fun.

you. me. front row. throwing Dollar General granny panties panties at random awful bands!

what? ... i'm not throwing my actual underwear in downtown hagerstown. what kinna lush do you people think i am??

'sides you dragon.

bwhahahaha.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCUABdgqg64



Is this the band headlining DTLIVE06?

They are playing...just not headlining.

The Wailers are.

Is this thing over yet? Uuugh!

Well god only knows his current businesses are not making enough money...gotta get it somehow.

I just want it to be over with so I can get some sleep...it ain't happening this weekend; that's for sure.

Ever consider moving out of the downtown area?

Anyway strungout, I personally think you would be an excellent marketer for Kool Aid. They could use a good marketer right now. Kool Aid's sales have dropped tremendously, because God only knows why. Anyway, be sure to give Deming his share of Kool Aid, I think he likes grape, as for all the other people at the event, well I think they prefer drinks from 43 South.

yeah your 100% right strungout, just been recently in contact with Toni Britton. She is the marketing director for Demcore Development. Britton told me that tickets are just about sold out. She wasn't very suprised, due to the advertising and the band lineup is pretty good.

Why should I move? Demcore is the one that sucks.



(for those that get the Office Space-ish reference... +1)

People complain that there's nothing to do in this area, and then ::poof:: there's "stuff to do" that doesnt involve bratwurst or swing music in the park, and ...people complain... again??

lemmie ask something here... if it wasnt Demming putting this thing on, would people still complain?? ( not being a smartass, just asking if the problem here is everyone's dislike of demming's business tactics or is it really the bands downtown theyre annoyed with?)

What I see is a age factor in what DEM is doing. He is going for the younger people. That`s ok, but if your trying to have a better down town. He should not have selective entertainment for down town. JMO.

To answer CD, it`s the down town bands. Take it some other place.

like??

i think its cool that theyre putting this right in the middle of hagerstown! what about the people who are interested, but do not have a vehicle, or better yet, DONT WANT TO DRINK AND DRIVE HOME?? i mean obviously people do not HAVE to drink, but i think its awesome that this is an ACCESSIBLE event for a mixed crowd. where would you suggest they put it, that people without their own cars, or who may wish to have a drink or two, could go??

I don`t care where they take it. If your going to have a down town function get every shop& store owner involved.
He is a one man show. With a not with me out look of down town.

McGee--I concur. Otherwise it is just another thug's party. John Gotti used to close down streets in NYC to host a "festival" every year...

party poopers!

Nah, I really don't care if there is a festival or not..I'm all for expanding fun things to do...I just rarely get to any festivals lately...

I guess I am on the fence on this one...One one side I'm thrilled someone is stepping up to the proverbial plate, but on the other do I want a bunch of drunks wandering the streets? hmmm...in a non-participatory event?

Although, we could turn into the northern's version of the Fiesta City--I lived in San Antonio and there is a 'fiesta' every month for something or the other..when I was single, I used to live to go to them...

How many downtown events - or even HAGERSTOWN events - are geared towards the young adults? That was always my biggest complaint about Hagerstown - there was nothing to do for the young adults. Everything is geared towards families or the older generation. I'm not saying they shouldn't have those types of events (family events, etc.), but it's really nice that they're finally doing something for an age group that is often neglected in Hagerstown.... at least IMO.

you cant "wander the streets". the alcohol is restricted to one area. mind you this is a FAMILY event.

this is the ad:

http://www.downtownlivehagerstown.com/

doesnt sound so bad to me!

I totally agree!

I am only too sorry I did not completely read the information previously...I am thoroughly chastised.

I agree we need more 'family events' in this H-town. My son informs me that Frederick is so wonderful-there are real companies there.. He went there yesterday for some type of expo...he was thrilled to learn that there are headquarters of some large corps there..and stuff to do!

So, mea culpea...hit me with a wet noodle if you will...
I heartily endorse the idea but still wish(she said wistfully looking out the window) that more of the businesses were behind this festival...

I totally agree with you. Demcore is targeting the younger demographic for downtown with his events and businesses. I think that is great, after all this year's big downtown live event will have more than 8,000 people. I'm going with 8 other friends and we love Alter Bridge and Clutch. My friends could care less who Deming is, they care more about the events that they are being provided with. I just ignore the comments form strungout, because really he can say all the crap about Demcore he wants. But will it really change anything? Do people who dislike Demcore's company and big events like this Saturday really change the events or his business practices? I think not. "They complain, they rant, they are never satisified" I say let them rant their pretty little hearts out of Hagerstown!

DOWNTOWN Live Arts and Music Festival This Saturday! Woot Woot!
www.downtownlivehagerstown.com

Do you get paid by total posts or by the word?

Cash or Check?

I got paid not by money, but by the enjoyment with my friends when we go to conerts like this weekend's Downtown Live event.

Strungout, don't offer money when you don't have any to offer, go buy some Kool Aid and get some good sleep, you'll need it before this weekend's big loud noisy event. If I were you, and hate the event happening downtown, I'd move. Just curious how much Demcore makes of of this event. Do the bands even get paid? Or does Demcore rack in all the profit?

I'm beginning to think someone works for Demacore.

dude. the user name is Changeisgood. lol. that was kinna a clue for me.

I totally agree, You call it right.

It's A One Man Show, nothing more, nothing less.

I know down in Frederick when they have In The Street.
It's gear towards all ages. There's something for everyone to do.
There's a lot of different businesses that get involved.

I wouldn't be suprise if Dem, trys to run for Mayor one day.
Sure is making a name for his self.

we HAVE street festivals in hagerstown...
this is what annoys me...

if its something geared towards children ( ie, The Big Read) ... everyone thinks it's great. which it is.
if it's geared towards families... ( mummer's parade, blues fest, etc) ... everyone loves it
but if it's geared towards teens and young adults, everyone complains... why is that??

people are worried about drunk people in the streets?! PLEASE! get rid of Augustoberfest and the Mummers Parade, then...

i think DTL is a great idea, and i'm glad there's finally something people my age can feel was meant for THEM. we work hard, we pay taxes, and we support hagerstown businesses too!

much as i have my issues with some demming procedures, he's the only one to come up with something like this, with WELL KNOWN bands, and an "open air " atmosphere. i hate feeling like i have to go to a bar or drive to dc to see a decent band!

( for the record, i will not be attending DTL, as i promised my kids we'd do the pumpkin patch this weekend! bwhaha)

btw... other cool stuff going on in hagerstown in the next few weeks.

You live in Sharpsburg right, they ever have anything there?
Just wondering, what that little town is like.

I don't worry about what goes on Downtown. I could careless, because it's just not my thing.

But I do think they should any something for all ages.

Ever heard the old saying, "It only takes one bad apple to make the whole bunch rotten."
Well Known Bands to the young folks and people who listen to that kind of music.

Well I have to go all the way to WV, to listen to the music I like.
There's no places that I know of, in Hagerstown of that plays Country Music.

cancuun cantina west. they have country performances there all the time.

and no, not much goes on in sharpsburg. its a nice, quiet and relatively safe place to raise a family. i've only lived here since april. when we "go out" we go to hagerstown, or baltimore. i like that hagerstown is getting more cool stuff to do... who wants to drive to baltimore?? lol.

You're kidding, right?

Country Music line-up for Cancun Cantina

At the CAN, if you don`t know the dances, you can only watch. That place sucks.
I know what Sweet means by no country music here. Your not the only country and blue grass fan on here Sweet.

Oh thank goodness. Here I thought I was all alone all this time.

Who in the heck ever thought of line dancing, should be shot!!!

I do my own little dance when I went. I consired myself a individual.
I'm a leader, not a follower. I don't care if people think I'm weird or not.
I was there to have fun. Maybe we should go together on night as friends?
Please don't take that the wrong way, I don't know if your a man or woman.


Your right the place does, Suck. I been to better country bar's then that, I mean (Real Country Bar)
That place is a fake to say the least.

Hope Downtown Live is a blast, enjoyed by many, and full of memories. Variety is part of life.

2 of my kids and 2 nieces went last year to DowntownLive. They love festivals and in-street stuff near DC or Pittsburgh, & also have found Cumberland and Frederick to be really innovative. there have been some good bands in Frederick, and near Frostburg. So, they know bands, outdoor venues, and different takes on what a downtown gig can be. They are glad to see variety in downtown Hagerstown. They also keep other options open.

They had an ok time last year, they felt some of the music was good, some boring, or not their thing. We all have our tastes. Also, if your sober your take will be different. They do not drink. They said the crowd was fine. They had one guy pour beer on one of them. Goofy stuff happens at all concerts. They got over it. (LOL) . In perspective, it was a tame night around them. Down the street may of been different, but in their posse things were cool. The young people in my kids' group liked Downtown Live, despite some not so cool moments. They find fun in anything if out with close friends. They actually had a good time but it was because they were with friends.

It was what it was, nothing special but ok for a weekend near home. They have laughed a little, if you don't say you loved it some are like "Oh, you just don't want any thing downtown for the young crowd." They chuckle and change the subject. They have found a range of stuff for young adults within an hour of Hagerstown. But strongly agree, there could be more downtown. And it would be nice not to have to drive. They do not drink, beer is not a requirement for them. So with each new bar they are like ok, if the music is good and we can weave around the other stuff, it might be worth the cover charge. They make the effort to be flexible and cherry pick something fun out of affordable events. Not all 21 yr olds drink but they r fine w/ those who do.

So last year was ok. It was fun to be with friends. And they liked some of the music. Great option. If more comes to Hagerstown, even better. But they do not feel obligated to rave about something they thought was ok. Everyone has their own tastes and preferences, even young 20s. Its great when u can pick a little out from each event to enjoy. And thats what they do.

Hope all have fun who go this year. My kids and nieces will be there. It is what it is, a downtown music/street fest. Some will enjoy and rave. Others will say, I am glad I went, it was ok. Some may be less comfortable, we are all different. That is life. Different opinions. If you are not all rahh rahh does not mean you want zip for Hagerstown. Maybe you are just someone with options, or someone hunting for options.....DowntownLive is great as one option, so enjoy and be supportive of those around you. Its a shared experience, a shared street.....Not a matter of sides, we are all one community.

Community Hagerstown thank you for your good point on what younger people like and what some don't like. You make an excellent points. I'm sorry for everyone on this topic forum who thinks I work for Demcore. To be honest, I would love that, but I'm not working for Demcore yet. I'm way to young, and that a fact. I guess I'm just trying to point out that at the end of the day, when people who are attracted to these downtown events at 43 South, the Halloqween costume party at Duffy's after the Mummers parade, etc. will care about the event itself, not Deming. They probably have no idea who Deming is. They could care less. Its not like oh, I'm not going to that concert because some guy named Mike Deming is putting the whole show on. Its called marketing, advertising to a specific demographic. I highly doubt that deming wants attention focused on him, his focus is for downtown as we can clearly see. No he's not perfect, but who the hell is? Events that are now happening thanks to DEmcore Entertainment happen in other cities like D.C., New York, Rockville, etc. and yet people act like its a curse, while others enjoy it and continue to feed on more. Well, can't wait to read the article when it comes out in the newpaper on Sunday morning. I'll be at the event.

Update: From Herald Mail

Several downtown streets will close at 12:01 a.m. Saturday for the Downtown Live music event in Public Square this weekend, city officials said.

Potomac Street will be closed to through traffic between the Franklin Street and Antietam Street intersections, officials said in a news release.

Southbound traffic will be detoured via Franklin Street, Walnut Street and Antietam Street.

Washington Street will be closed to through traffic between the Jonathan Street and Locust Street intersections.

The Central Parking Lot, North Potomac Street parking deck and the Arts & Entertainment parking deck will remain open Saturday.

People going to Downtown Live can use North Potomac Street to access the parking deck.

The streets will remain closed all of Saturday and will reopen by about 3 a.m. Sunday,

Emergency vehicles will not be able to pass through the event area Saturday.

The event's organizer, Mike Deming, has arranged to pay for city services required for the event, including overtime for Hagerstown Police Department officers working the event, any public works items needed and City Lights resources, said Karen Giffin, city director of community affairs.
_______________________________________________________________________

What bother me most is, That emergency vehicles will not be able to pass through.

There's a few apartment buildings that house the handicap and the elderly people.
Hope no one needs a ambulance during that time.

Who ever is going, Hope you have a great time.

Oh the ambulance thing again.

The Mummer's Parade has more of an impact on emergency vehicles than this Downtown Live event.

Oh really, I didn't know that.

But of course, I don't go the any of the events they have downtown.

Thanks for shedding some light on the subject.

The event's organizer, Mike Deming, has arranged to pay for city services required for the event, including overtime for Hagerstown Police Department officers working the event, any public works items needed and City Lights resources, said Karen Giffin, city director of community affairs.....................(Wow, someone listened.)

Last year this did not happen in an adequate fashion. Corrective reviews occurred, some balked at suggestions to Deming to pay for increased services. I for one think Q&A is good, and it looks like it happened. So, I applaud the city, Deming, and the volunteers who spoke up. The effort was to improve and make it better.

It should go a lot smoother this year. People listened and learned. Hope all who attend enjoy! It would be nice to be considerate of those around you, and above you in some of those apts too.....Have a great time. I was there last year working as a volunteer. I am so glad they are paying for the needed help this year. Had they hired and paid more staff last year the PR would of been better. Key tasks & safety issues would of been addressed with ease. And it would of been harder to find fault...........It should be fun if your in the target audience.

Last year, I was like wow, I would not bring little kids here. But thats just me, and how it was laid out last year. I was in the trenches and sober. That puts a unique spin on it. It was good seeing people having fun.

Each year might be a little different and a little better. For young adults and anyone else who like the bands, it will be a blast. Variety is good, it targets a void. My 20 something relatives have found some good Music fests in Frederick, Cumberland & Frostburg. Frostburg State Univ (FSU) has hooked up to energize some Cumberland/Frostburg Music & Arts programming. It too is a work in progress. Good partnership. If its your thing, enjoy!
.

McGee

They offer free lessons just about every night they are open. I believe they start at 7 or 7:30. Or you can go just get out there and follow the lead of some others who are dancing. I have been there a few times and it is pretty nice.


Tony