HAGERSTOWN — The Hagerstown City Council on Tuesday heard a request for a third Downtown Live! music festival from local developer Mike Deming of The Demcore Companies.

After hearing the council’s concerns, Deming will revise the plan and return to the council July 8 with an updated proposal, said Karen Giffin, the city’s director of community affairs.

Deming proposed an Oct. 25, 2008, date for the festival, to be held primarily on South Potomac Street from 2 to 10 p.m.

In a letter to city officials, Deming proposed a more “diverse array of performers” for this year’s festival, in hopes of attracting a more diverse crowd, he said. The lineup would include more soft-rock and reggae bands, and organizers will not consider heavy-rock bands that brought more disorderly fans in the past, Deming wrote in the letter.

He also plans to increase the number of visual artists, street performers and family-friendly activities, Deming said. Tuesday’s proposal also mentioned using plastic bottles of beer rather than the beer trucks and draft beer that were offered last year.
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Last year’s Downtown Live! Music & Arts festival ran from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., but was sparsely populated until the afternoon, Deming said.


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Penny Nigh and Aleshire have it in for Deming.

City Councilwoman Kelly S. Cromer questioned Deming as to why he didn’t consider using the city’s central lot, where the annual Western Maryland Blues Fest is held, as she suggested last year.

Deming said he was hesitant to change the location since the street location worked pretty well last year.

When asked by Councilwoman Penny May Nigh which location he would prefer, Hagerstown Police Chief Arthur Smith said his department could deal with the festival either way, though holding the festival in the central lot would simplify things, the chief said.

Several arrests were made at last year’s festival.

“Last year, as far as safety, it sucked,” Nigh said.

Nigh was not at all happy with the proposed location of the festival, on South Potomac Street between Antietam Street and Washington Street, with the stage set up on North Potomac Street, facing the crowd on South Potomac Street.

Nigh asked how many police officers would be used for the event. Sgt. Kevin Simmers said the number of officers needed would be determined after police know what kind of bands will play.

Deming would foot the bill for all city services used for the event.

Councilwoman Alesia Parson-McBean also expressed a preference for the central lot.

“Do we need to close off a street one more time?” she asked.

Deming planned to rework his proposal using the central lot as a venue, Giffin said.

wow! do these two chicks have it in for this guy? thats the way it sounds to me

I'm not the biggest Deming fan (as most here know) ....but those two live in their own little world of Deming Hate.

I will agree with moving it to the Center Lot however....you know...just so I don't have a concert right outside my windows for an entire day (Along with not getting any sleep from them setting up the thing all night long)

Oh...and here is the response from the Deming led Downtown Live Army via myspace...

I don't think it would be so bad if they moved the concert to the central parking lot area. I mean, people would still wonder around the downtown area, plus the other activities along with the concert. Aside from Deming flipping the bills for all of this, at LEAST its a concert and something to do in Hagerstown! How often does something like this happen in Hagerstown? When people come to these things, they don't give a rip about Deming, or care who the Hecht he is. They just know from last year that it was a Hecht of an event. Penny and Aleshire are always afraid of would could happen. For example, they are afraid someone will get arrested... Really Penny? OMG Like of course they will be arrests its a freaking concert! Welcome to the 21st century! Its how we party. Of course when the Mummer's parade comes around, they could care less about the amount of problems. Oh, but it s a "family event". That is a load of Bull S***. I want to run for city council, we need some new people there.

What the hell does Aleshire have to do with this??? Do you mean Aleshia? Aleshire is not on the council and I know for a fact, he is a big fan of Demming and all of the Bullsh*t that he spews.

I'm sorry, yes I meant Aleshia. I don't follow their names very well. Can you blame me? I mean who wants to pay attention to those annoying pests. lol.

What the Hecht?

Sorry, I'm not the grammar police, but that's just funny.

Good point Coma, wouldn't it be "What the Macy's" now anyway?

At least you got the annoying pest part right

Discrimination! Not allowing heavier bands to play! Who is to say that all metal fans are "rowdy?" Let one incident/one person ruin the whole thing tsk tsk.

What am I worried about, if it's downtown, I'm not going. Ever.

Downtown Live is one of the best events Hagerstown has to offer. It is one of the few times people actually travel to Hagerstown as an entertainment destination. I am glad that our elected official thinks it "sucks".

If it's downtown, it sucks.

This sounds like a very poorly worded statement, and a bit demeaning to your purpose.

You are making a blanket statement that because it is a concert (without specifing what type of concert) there will be arrests. Allow me to ask the public, how many arrests where there at the MSO concert at the battlefield. I'm not making light of your statement, just trying to make your think. DTL will go on, of that I have little doubt. Mr. Demming appears to be very suave.

It's how we party. Now that one just seems (again, to me) to mean that if no one gets arrested, it is not a good party. I think Mr. Redneck (Jeff Foxworthy) did a routine on that.

Just a few things to think about.

Cheers.

OMG Like of course they will be arrests its a freaking concert! Welcome to the 21st century! Its how we party.

where is this qoute from?

never mind I found it.

I was at both events and I didn't think either event sucked, nor did the security. I think I saw two incidents last year, and they were very isolated because the police reacted so quickly. People that haven't been to DTL probably think its a bunch of rowdy kids/young adults. Quite the contrary. I spent most of the time last year hanging with my dad and some of his friends.

I'm from a small town & know all about small town politics. I can't believe that our citizens & officials stand by and let Councilwoman Nigh personally attack someone like that with no repercussions. I watched the meeting on TV. She has a personal vendetta against Mr. Deming and she should be removed from our city council. You cannot blatantly and openly criticize someone for personal reasons when you hold a position such as a council person. This is not the first time and quite frankly nothing that comes out of her mouth makes any sense.
FYI (to everyone)!!! This town is growing and changing...if you don't like it, MOVE!!

Penny Nigh is in dire need of a personality transplant.

I've got a better idea why don't you go back to where ever it is you came from.

It's statements like that that give the transplants a bad name.

Sorry bud...I'm here to stay
Alot of truth in that statement

Penny needs to be voted out plain and simple. We have got to get her out next time before she hurts the City even more.

You got that part right.

Where did that comment even come from? It seems unrelated to the rest of your post.

Are you going to pay for me to move? Me not liking a town doesn't mean I'll move, if my job is here and my family is here I'm staying, even if I hate it.

There someone goes again with multiple !

!?!?!??!?!?!?!?!??!?!!?

Amen to all you said. Somebody's got to say it. I wonder if Penny has ever been to any where else in this country. Other downtown areas have so many parades and concerts going on, maybe she should move to Alaska. She would do well there. (nothing much going on there). As hagerstown grows, let the entertainment and stuff grow with it, young people want stuff like this. Its the older people who hold us back. I'd buy a one way airline ticket (first class) for Penny Nigh to Alaska. Any airline she chooses, I promise.

Oh by the way...I meant to post this a few months ago.

So you are against "older people" now???

I guess you think the "older people" in hagerstown that dont "party" like you do shouldn't have an opinion. Better yet, you would rather them just move.

BTW what do you consider old???

Old to me is anyone over 34.

I was at both, and they seemed ok, last year was an improvement. Having volunteered at the first, and being sober I have good recall. My perspective is hands on. City staff called family volunteers in for the event. The next year, having learned, I believe Demming was aware more contractors were needed.

I volunteered at the gate, managing tickets and people. It was ok. There were some drunks who threw up on kid's shoes but I guess that is life when having fun. It seemed workable I have no problem saying last year ran better, that is common sense, anything gets better with experience. You look back at the pros and cons, and revamp, out with the bad and in with the improved. It increases safety and profit to take a look.

I would never suggest people move if they have a suggestion to make something better or a question about an event. I see possibilities of working together, having fun, and maybe a few will make some money. But I certainly do not agree if you make suggestions you need to move. That would not be a way to keep people coming downtown, with that tact.-------------I volunteered and helped Demming the first year, so I have no problems approaching people thru the correct channels and making suggestions. Which I have done privately. Did I agree with all that happened no, but I was there helping, and no i do not need to move out of town. I hope people of all ages are volunteering and making a positive difference downtown.

Hopefully, some on the QA team who attended, were sober. I am sure most were but it was a colorful evening. I am sure they are a fine and reputable group. Just trying to have a profitable and fun evening. I was there and had a good perspective. I am sure those looking back for Demming's management team, are taking a balanced assessment. There were things to improve from the first concert.

Clean up last year was 100% better. Deming learned a lot, hired more paid clean up crews vs asking family volunteers to stay and bag. We all learn. Any event improves, it is important to assess each year, and make changes, no event is perfect. No one is above reproach.

After the first year concert ended, the night got goofy. There were not enough trash bags for volunteers to pick up cups and no identifiable contact to get the process going. And some bottle necks with drunk crowds. I was there. I was sober. I ended up having fun. The next year it went better with the addition of more paid staff, who were trained and part of the team.

It worked out, most were easily redirected. Most staff were eager to tear it down, pack up and go home. It gelled by the end. Last year was better, with room to improve. Next year will further enhance the event or concept. That could mean fine tuning the bands and location, just saying I am sure Demming will review and make decisions based on profit, safety, and enjoyment. That is what will bring people back, an enjoyable and safe event. Best wishes to all involved, and enjoy whatever you do downtown.

Why did you move from your small town?
Couldn`t take all the improvements the town was getting? Running your mouth to much? :

Deming seems to be the only person to know how to make money with the use of city streets.
He is the down town savyor.

Props to Mr. Draper.

Ah...the downtown office located real estate agent chimes in. Makes sense.



I don't see what's so vile about it taking place in the parking lot. As a resident down here....the thing is a nightmare for me...but granted...it's only for two days.

Oh...and isn't more the most part everyone herded into the fenced area and not able to walk around downtown during the concert?

So because he's a real estate agent with an office located downtown he's not allowed to chime in? Interesting logic. I own a business downtown, I am not in real estate and I share his sentiment, and I also know through speaking with other business owners that I am not the only one.

Cramming people into that parking lot no aesthetic quality whatsoever. If they want to do that with Blues Fest, that's their prerogative, but Downtown Live is not their event. People are free to leave and enter any business that they wish during DTL; you're not caged up like an animal like some folks would have you believe. And, unlike some that have not stepped foot outside the borders of Washington County, I've been to several similar events that are hosted in city streets and, while much smaller in comparison, this event is really very enjoyable and safe. I am not sure I would be so enthusiastic were it held in that parking lot... that's the main reason I don't go to Blues Fest downtown.

Sure, there are residents that will grumble and raise hell whenever somebody wants to do something different, but there is a growing number of people that are ready for a change. If all of our elected officials were doing their jobs, they'd realize that this is something that a lot of people WANT. Instead, some of these people are solely focused on their own interests, putting a negative spin on everything, and actually lying to the public (re: event security). People are tired of the negativity and misrepresentation.

As for the inconvenience, suck it up. It's two days out of 365.

FYI...One day not two...other than that couldn't of said it better myself C.

I believe 2 is correct. He holds this event more than once a year, if I recall correctly.

It's just once a year, but they start closing down the street on late afternoon/early evening on Friday.

Also, I would like to see more events that bring people downtown whether it is a concert-type event, or something else. Maybe some sort of marketplace or "city fair" type of thing with lots of food, vendors on the sidewalks and in the streets, artist displays... with some live music in some of the establishments or outside. I enjoy seeing people that normally wouldn't come downtown walk around the streets and see how much some things have changed.

Do they still have that farmer's market on the square on thursday? I went to that a couple of times. Hardly any vendors and you had to cross the speedways to get to them. If they could get more growers in, instead of just the vendors at the City Market, and close a street early morning like they do in Shepherdstown every sunday, I would check that out.

Yeah, they're having it today actually. Getting ready to head down in a few minutes! Sometimes they have a lot of people, and sometimes its just one or two corners on the square. Guess its pretty random.

You are correct in that it brings people downtown that would never normally be there. I know speaking for myself I only go downtown to Carol & Co. and the downtown live is the only function that I have ever attended downtown other than that I don't go downtown. I do not drink alcohol so I can not comment on that, but I know that is a big issue. It was a great time even as a non drinker and I look forward to attending again this year.

It is only one day, and it is ok. It is a basic music fest that provides some great background music as you walk from different shops. So, I have enjoyed it. My kids liked it one year and were so so another, purely due to the invited bands. They will go because it is there, and they end up having fun. It is one of many events they would consider. They go all over to outdoor concerts. They pick and choose from events on the East Coast, usually in the Tri State area. I do not see Downtown Live as a negative.

Basically, I support the downtown whatever, downtown live. It is one small piece to a puzzle and if it brings enjoyment, great. Each year it gets better, more thought out and better controlled as far as clean up and running the gate. So, I see it as a plus, not an end all, a good start that appeals to some.

It is a cool concept. Towns and cities have been doing different takes on it for decades, most reached out with incentives to artists so they could practice their trade or or sell their wares at a conducive price as far as renting spaces or getting publicity. Believe it or not, West Virginia has three counties that are really hot on this community art and music concept. It is great to see the different flavors as you go from town to town. It is an old idea worth fine tuning. I see suggestions to any downtown events as a positive.

Having been to many other arts and musical street fests I find I seek out events in DC, Pa, WVv, & even Cumberland. These locals have really hooked up with local arts councils and musicians and then tied in area attractions like nearby bike paths and parks. I really enjoy riding my bike up the Trail and to parts of Cumberland. As I come into town, street bands are playing, outdoor cafes are bustling, and multiple artisits are on hand. It is a relaxing and enjoyable vibe. The college kids also interject on certain weekends and take it up about ten notches, and it is a totally different scene but fun. People of all ages come out and are not offended to be by younger or older people, it is fun. Sure, some weekends cater to different crowds but it seems workable. The streets are wide, clean and welcoming to pedestrians. (Great bike racks are located all through own. )

Hagerstown will come, I believe it will take a combined influence. A combination of experiences, education, and creative energies will eventually combine with development, creating a broader appeal and a good direction. The Wash CO Arts Council is great and the director is very innovative and welcoming................Downtown Live is a good start. Not super great but quite pleasant. It is a good stepping stone.

Though I've never been to Downtown Live (the lineups weren't my type of music) I still think it's a better idea to have it in the first block of downtown as opposed to the Central Lot. We went to Augustoberfest a few years ago, which was in the Central lot, and noticed that very very few people ventured out into the downtown from the event...so the downtown businesses didn't seem to benefit much from it. I know lots of naysayers think that pretty much the only businessowner downtown who benefits from DL being in the street is Mike Deming, but think about what a benefit the exposure would be to other places like Skyline Coffee, Vinnies, Rainbow Connection, or Alter Ego. And Ham from the hookah bar would probably have his best day ever! Also the Mystikal Keep just moved onto the corner opposite the Stube, and I bet not many people know that they're there yet. If you have the festival in the Central Lot these new places will be largely missed.

It seems that recently I hear about some new shop coming downtown very few weeks. Just this past week I saw that somebody's moving in to a spot opposite the library which has been vacant for months and months (Tranquility something, it looks like a new agey retail place, maybe they do massage? Looks nice so far, from what I can see peeping in the windows!) Most of these entrepreneurs are just like you and me, individuals with a lifelong dream of success working for themselves, hoping for the opportunity of good exposure to build awareness of their store, restaurant, or office. Downtown Live can go a long way toward realizing that dream.

Didn't mean to sound preachy. Getting off of soapbox now.

You don't sound preachy at all, clever. I wholeheartedly agree that DTL should be a street festival as opposed to a "parking lot festival." I've been to street festivals in other cities and towns, and they all seem to make it work, and the local businesses seem to benefit tremendously. I don't understand why Hagerstown can't do the same.

I completely agree with one exception. I don't think that you emphasize the small number of people that explore outside of the parking lot. I have been to Blues Fest and Augustoberfest many times. The rest of the downtown is as dead as it is at 8:00pm on a Sunday night. This needs to stay a street festival and the City needs to stay out of it. Demming is picking up the tab, Demming is getting the bad press, Demming is taking it on the chin about the drinking, so let Demming continue to do so. The City really does not care about this festival they care about control. As for chain link fence. Close the whole damn street down as far as I am concerned. People that live there should get in free.

Mystikal Keep!

I never thought about that place you and I have walked by offering massages! That would be sweet! Don't say it! Don't even say it!

Seriously... what is the big deal in shutting down a small portion of a city street in HAGERSTOWN for one day?!?!?!

I went to the very first Downtown Live and thought it was great.

Baltimore, Frederick, Annapolis, DC do this type of thing ALL the time for ALL different reasons. I've done running events in multiple downtowns on the east coast where they've shut down streets for a few hours or days at a time; I've been to markets, festivals, concerts, and other various events in DC and Baltimore that shut down BUSY streets for days. How is this any different? Does Hagerstown not want business/tourism/MONEY or do officials have some vendetta against business owners possibly doing well and making more money than them? I'm just an outsider now, but that's what it looks like after reading all these articles and comments.

As far as safety concerns and arrests, is that not to be expected? There is most always a handful of people stretching the rules/breaking the laws at most events I've been to (concerts or otherwise). I've also found that security can sometime be less lenient when they're working an event they'd prefer not to... I won't get into the whole private security forces idea though.

This concept I fully support!

Coma, I get my hair cut in 20 minutes at the Tranquility Spa on N. Potomac St. and I'm going to ask if this Tranquility place across from the Library is affiliated with them. I'll keep you posted.

Heh heh, if they offer massages I think I know where YOU'LL be blowing your paychecks...

I honestly lost track, I thought it was a given the Downtown Live gig was an annual event. I even heard it was going to be a twice a year thing. I figured it would be around if the numbers were good. That would make sense business wise. You figure if people are enjoying it, why not.

I did not think there was much of a flap left, except for Penny and Alecia. And at times, they are just background noise, like wallpaper in an old house. You think about changing it but never get around to it. Eventually, you don't notice it. So, I thought the talk about the anti forces were well into the background. You know, yesterday's fixation, yesterday's news.
...................That would be good if people living right that part of Potomac could get in free, it would be a nice gesture.
Yes, I know, how would one handle the logistics on that.

special passes ( like for back stage at concerts) for folks who live on that block

Dragon, you are too cool. Problem solved so now that can not be an excuse. Party on. Enjoy the music.

This is how it should be except the mayor and council are power hungry. More people have complained about the Mayor, Penny, Alecia, and now Cromer but they don't have to go to the parking lot so why should this concert. It should be a monthly event or even weekly. I truely wish people would go to Cumberland and see a so call city half the size of Hagerstown and how they know how to party. Thousands of people downtown EVERY Friday night all Summer.

Go to Frederick and see people drinking and having a great time. Hagerstown states that they want to move forward but will never allow this to move forward as long as these folks are in office.

Deming gets OK to open club in former Barnwood Books

6/20/08

By DAN DEARTH (dan.dearth@herald-mail.com)
Mike Deming

Mike Deming (File Photo/)

HAGERSTOWN — Developer Mike Deming has received permission from the Hagerstown Board of Zoning Appeals to open a 1,300-seat nightclub in the building that houses Barnwood Books at 101-103 S. Potomac St.

Eva Delle Staley, who for the past 24 years has operated Barnwood Books with her husband, Jack, said it will be sad when they have to leave, but she thinks Deming's plans are good for the downtown area.

"Progress needs to be made," she said. "I'm hoping someone will (buy the bookstore) and move it somewhere else."

Eva Delle Staley said she doesn't know when they will have to leave.
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"We're waiting on Mr. Deming to tell us," she said.

Deming said he would have more details, including the starting date for construction, after he meets with his architect next week.

The front of the building is occupied by Barnwood Books and stretches along West Antietam Street to the Shortstop Tavern. Deming said the Shortstop Tavern would be swallowed by the nightclub as well.

"The entire building will be used," he said. "That's our intent."

According to documents from the Hagerstown Board of Zoning Appeals, the nightclub only would be open when live entertainment is scheduled.

"The plan is to renovate a 30,000-square feet, mostly vacant building into a concert/entertainment hall able to serve up to 1,300 patrons," according to the documents. "The facility will only be available to persons who purchase tickets to the event being held that day. It will not be open to non-ticket purchasers."

The documents also state that the plan is to have several bar areas that would serve alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages.

Deming said he has a liquor license for the Shortstop Tavern, and intends to meet with the Board of License Commissioners for Washington County to determine whether the license could be transferred rather than going through the process of obtaining another one.

"It's not an impossibility," said Robert Everhart, chairman of the Board of License Commissioners for Washington County. "But he has to come before the board first."