Hugh’s Room Update #4
TO ALL SUPPORTERS AND FANS OF HUGH’S ROOM…
A working group of volunteers, has assembled with the hope of reviving Hugh’s Room. The group includes lawyers, business people, accountants, music promoters publicists, venue operators and members of the community. The group has spent considerable amounts of time analyzing the viability of reviving/reinventing Hugh’s Room as a music/performing arts venue. The group has determined that if run as a not-for-profit entity, mirroring similar venues in the city, it is a viable proposition. With the right infrastructure and support, the venue can sustain itself financially. The legacy of Hugh’s Room can be continued. Toronto can continue to have a destination venue that presents the genres, variety and high quality of music that Hughes Room is renowned for across the continent. Both the long term and short term strategies are of course contingent on fundraising.
What’s the plan?
After reviewing all the tasks necessary to be able to re-open the club, stock it with supplies, organize staff, etc. it became clear that a March 3 opening, the original goal, was impractical. Our goal now is to open on March 15 with a fundraising event then begin regular club shows the very next day, March 16, with the legendary Lennie Gallant.
How will we pull this off?
We have begun asking formally for donations. A press release was issued on January 23 that outlined the amounts of money needed and the minimum amount of donation. Here are those details:
-minimum donation: $1,000.
-Funds needed:
-first $30,000 by February 20***
-second $30,000 by March 5
-final amount $90,000 by July
(grand total = 150K)
How to donate:
Cheques – payable to Iler Campbell in Trust, mailed to: Iler Campbell LLP, 150 John St., Toronto M5V 3E3, or e-transfer to:
tpereira@ilercampbell.com - provide Brian Iler with the security answer via email:
biler@ilercampbell.comThe high minimum donation was set to help us raise the required funds more quickly, and be able to open the club’s doors all that much sooner.
However, for those supporters who are unable to donate $1,000, a GO FUND ME site has been set up.
www.gofundme.com/hughsroom Any and all amounts will be greatly appreciated.
***Raising the first $30,000 by February 20 is critical for this plan to proceed. If that amount is not reached, and we find no other option to enable the club to open, 100% of all donations given to that point will be returned to the donors.
Is Richard Carson still involved?
Yes, Richard is part of the working group, and will remain as a valued member of the forthcoming Non-Profit entity being formed. The new Non-Profit, HUGH’S ROOM PERFORMING ARTS INC., will be the new owner and administrator of the club going forward. Richard’s original company will disappear and this new company will take over any assets (sound equipment, etc,).
What about people who bought tickets to cancelled shows?
The working group is acutely aware of the financial fallout from the cancelled shows, for both audience and artists alike. Our hope is that ultimate fundraising efforts are successful enough to enable the new club to offer some form of compensation. This is an ongoing concern but we do ask for everyone’s patience as we sort through all the details of the changeover. Rest assured this aspect will not be forgotten.
Who is Behind This Initiative?
The working group came together informally, in response to the news of Hugh’s Room’s closing. All are fans of Hugh’s Room, and wanted to explore how it could re_open as a community_owned venture. It includes:
Jeremy Darby _ owner of The Canterbury Music Company studio
Howard Gladstone – businessman and musician
Jane Harbury - freelance publicist, has worked for Hugh’s Room for many years
Brian Iler, Lawyer - Chair of Northwind Folk Festival (1984_5 on Toronto Islands),
engaged with many community initiatives
Grit Laskin - Luthier, musician, Order of Canada, Bronfman Award for Excellence,
EstelleKlein Award, founder of CFMA, co-founder of Borealis Records
Judith Laskin - Retired Educator, founding Board member, CFMA, Director The Woods
Music and Dance Camp, past Board member of Mariposa Folk Festival under Estelle Klein
Brian Litvin – accountant and musician, former treasurer Music Africa
Bill McKetrick - a member of the music community on many levels
Colin Puffer _ Hugh's Room Booker
Ross Robinson - promoter of blues music events, frequently at Hugh’s Room
Frank Saunders – businessman and involved with Mariposa Folk Festival
Rob Young – advertising executive and musician