Live music around the Quinte region, the province, the country, and the world has largely been on hold since late February 2020.
Events like the Havelock Country Jamboree, theatre shows at the Stirling Festival or Regent Theatre (Picton), or outdoor parties live Summerfest (formerly Rockfest) did not happen.
Empire Theatre (Belleville) owner Mark Rashotte says he has taken the time to do some major retrofits of his building, which is now much more than just a live entertainment venue.
Rashotte says it now includes tens of thousands of dollars in new equipment, so live shows online can launch.
On Wednesday, August 12, the group Classic Albums Live (CAL) is performing the Fleetwood Mac album Rumours, and next Wednesday it is Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon. Rashotte added that last week’s first CAL digital show of Led Zeppelin’s Zeppelin 2 album had about 15,000 views.
There is a new TV board and switcher, studio, and cameras for live performances online.
The goal is to have people watch the performances and if they like what they see, they can add a few bucks to the digital tip jar.
We asked Rashotte about the future of the outdoor festival, especially after the four nights planned for July 2020 was postponed.
The building between Empire Square Live (outdoor venue) and the Empire Theatre has also been demolished, which has made way for a larger outdoor venue.
As far as inside, Rashotte says he is more optimistic, because they will slowly be able to bring in live acts.
More from The Empire Theatre is available by CLICKING HERE
Our full conversation with Mark Rashotte can be heard below.
The Glorious Sons perform Empire Rockfest (Photo: Tim Durkin/ Quinte News)
