Latest news with #liveevents
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Historic former theater's restoration for live events, movies wins initial city approval
A historic former Milwaukee theater − dormant for several years − would be restored to host music performances and other live events, as well as movies, under a plan that's received an initial city approval. The Villa Theater, previously known as the Ritz Theater, 3608 W. Villard Ave., would feature a restored single-screen cinema as well as space for live productions, upper-level office space, renovated apartments, and food service space on the main level. The Common Council's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee at its July 28 meeting recommended selling the city-owned building to Lincoln Creek Development LLC, owned and managed by Thomas Matthews. Lincoln Creek Development is to buy the the two-story, 7,200-square-foot former theater, a two-story, 3,612-square-foot adjacent commercial building at 3614-16 W. Villard Ave., and a neighboring 24-space parking lot at 5221 N. 36th St. The proposed sale price is $10,125 − which the council is to review at its July 31 meeting. The city acquired the properties through tax foreclosure. Lincoln Creek has raised more than 75% of the financing needed for the $4 million project, Matthews said. Financing sources include Spring Bank, Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corp., and Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution, based in Lake Forest, California, a Department of City Development report said. Matthews told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel his goal is to complete his financing package and begin renovations by November, with the project finished by spring 2026. The theater was built in 1926, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. It closed in 1995 and was later used by Agape school. Matthews told committee members he's been working on the project since 2022 − when he drove past the shuttered theater and was struck by its status. "It was a sadness to see history deteriorate," Matthews said. The redeveloped theater is on a stretch of West Villard Avenue, between North Sherman Boulevard and North Teutonia Avenue, that's to be reconstructed to include protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, a pedestrian plaza and other features to improve safety − and spur commercial development. The zoning committee also recommended the $1,000 sale of a one-story, 2,880-square-foot building, at 4124 W. Villard Ave., to neighboring Corner Stone Memorial Funeral Services LLC. Corner Stone plans to expand its operations into that building, with its renovation costs estimated at $683,630. Both projects are supported by Alderwoman Andrea Pratt, whose district includes the development sites. Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@ and followed on Instagram, Bluesky, X and article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Theater's restoration for live events, movies wins Milwaukee's OK Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Historic former theater's restoration for live events, movies wins initial city approval
A historic former Milwaukee theater − dormant for several years − would be restored to host music performances and other live events, as well as movies, under a plan that's received an initial city approval. The Villa Theater, previously known as the Ritz Theater, 3608 W. Villard Ave., would feature a restored single-screen cinema as well as space for live productions, upper-level office space, renovated apartments, and food service space on the main level. The Common Council's Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee at its July 28 meeting recommended selling the city-owned building to Lincoln Creek Development LLC, owned and managed by Thomas Matthews. Lincoln Creek Development is to buy the the two-story, 7,200-square-foot former theater, a two-story, 3,612-square-foot adjacent commercial building at 3614-16 W. Villard Ave., and a neighboring 24-space parking lot at 5221 N. 36th St. The proposed sale price is $10,125 − which the council is to review at its July 31 meeting. The city acquired the properties through tax foreclosure. Lincoln Creek has raised more than 75% of the financing needed for the $4 million project, Matthews said. Financing sources include Spring Bank, Wisconsin Women's Business Initiative Corp., and Clearinghouse Community Development Financial Institution, based in Lake Forest, California, a Department of City Development report said. Matthews told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel his goal is to complete his financing package and begin renovations by November, with the project finished by spring 2026. The theater was built in 1926, according to the Wisconsin Historical Society. It closed in 1995 and was later used by Agape school. Matthews told committee members he's been working on the project since 2022 − when he drove past the shuttered theater and was struck by its status. "It was a sadness to see history deteriorate," Matthews said. The redeveloped theater is on a stretch of West Villard Avenue, between North Sherman Boulevard and North Teutonia Avenue, that's to be reconstructed to include protected bike lanes, wider sidewalks, a pedestrian plaza and other features to improve safety − and spur commercial development. The zoning committee also recommended the $1,000 sale of a one-story, 2,880-square-foot building, at 4124 W. Villard Ave., to neighboring Corner Stone Memorial Funeral Services LLC. Corner Stone plans to expand its operations into that building, with its renovation costs estimated at $683,630. Both projects are supported by Alderwoman Andrea Pratt, whose district includes the development sites. Tom Daykin can be emailed at tdaykin@ and followed on Instagram, Bluesky, X and article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Theater's restoration for live events, movies wins Milwaukee's OK Solve the daily Crossword
CNA
6 days ago
- Business
- CNA
AI-powered ads to drive growth for global entertainment and media industry, PwC says
-Growing use of artificial intelligence in advertising is expected to boost the global entertainment and media industry's revenue to $3.5 trillion by 2029, according to PwC. The industry is projected to record a compound annual growth rate of 3.7 per cent until 2029, the consulting firm said in its Global Entertainment & Media Outlook 2025-29 on Thursday. The growth will also be supported by non-digital categories such as live events. WHY IT'S IMPORTANT Economic uncertainty from inflation and shifting trade policies are prompting consumers to cut back on non-essential spending, pressuring entertainment subscriptions, movie outings and digital media. At this time, advertising is emerging as a significant driver of revenue growth for the industry at-large, PwC said. BY THE NUMBERS Digital formats, which accounted for 72 per cent of overall ad revenue in 2024, will rise to 80 per cent in 2029, with new technologies including AI and hyper-personalization expected to drive more end-market uptake, the report said. Ad revenue from connected TV is expected to rise to $51 billion in 2029, driven by higher digital engagement, PwC said. The industry is also set to benefit from strong video games revenue, which is forecast to grow to about $300 billion in 2029. KEY QUOTES "There's certain general macroeconomic pressures on individuals, families and advertising starts to subsidize a lot of that," said Bart Spiegel, global entertainment and media leader at PwC U.S. The industry "has always been at the forefront of technological innovation, but companies will need to remain nimble and proactive to embrace the future and satisfy consumers in an ecosystem that rewards creativity and tailored content," Spiegel said.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Austin hosting MLS All-Star game ahead of Charlotte's 2026 date
The Major League Soccer All-Star Game is set to kick off in Austin, Texas, on Wednesday, with the city expecting over 20,000 attendees. ALSO READ: Charlotte is preparing to host the MLS All-Star Game next year and is closely observing Austin's approach to the event. 'What are those moments in that planning process in the delivery of the event that we can curate that's really special,' said Will Pitts, CEO of the Charlotte Sports Foundation.'We're projecting 20 million for the city and state here in Austin,' said Drew Hays, Executive Director of the Austin Sports Commission. Austin's hosting of the MLS All-Star Game includes showcasing its live music scene, organizing youth clinics, and setting sustainability goals such as a cleanup day. Pitts and his team from Charlotte are attending the event to understand Austin's unique and authentic approach to hosting. There's nuance to every event that I don't think you can truly appreciate until you experience it firsthand," Pitts said. 'We want to come and understand Austin has approached this event that's unique and authentic to Austin.' (WATCH BELOW: Panthers hit the gridiron for 1st day of training camp)
Irish Times
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
‘The best night out': The Gen-Z ‘Ticketmaster warriors' spending €1,500 a year on gigs
For Kate Henshaw, from Malahide, Dublin, concerts are a guilty pleasure. The 24-year-old estimates that she spends well over €1,000 a year on tickets but believes that they are 'the best night out you can have as a young person in Ireland'. Henshaw is one of Gen Z's Ticketmaster warriors, who count ticket purchases as their 'biggest expense' but worth every cent. The significant spend is not unusual. Irish adults spent an average of €757 on music events in 2024, according to research published last week by the Irish Music Rights Organisation (Imro). READ MORE This figure includes both festivals and individual concerts, accounting not only for the price of tickets but also additional costs incurred such as transport and accommodation. Those in the 25-34 year old age bracket spent the most on live events in total last year, averaging at €849 per person, while those aged 45-54 and 18-24 weren't far behind, at €823 and €811 respectively. There was a notable dip in spending here for 35-44 year olds – €615 on average – which Imro chief executive Victor Finn suggests may be due to social factors such as an increase in 'care responsibilities'.'That tends to be a high expenditure period in people's lives in general,' Mr Finn said. Kate Henshaw (24) at Taylor Swift's Eras tour in 2024 According to her calculations, Henshaw attended 16 gigs last year and a whopping 19 live music events in 2023. She recalls a 30-day concert marathon during summer 2023, which saw her going to nine events. 'I was exhausted.' 'I think they're my biggest expense. I justify it because I buy them so far in advance. Then it feels like they're free,' she said. She estimates she spent a total of almost €1,500 on tickets alone in 2024, 'if I was being truthful with myself'. But she believes 'Irish crowds are unmatched. I think concerts are the best night out you can have as a young person in Ireland.' Being from Dublin certainly comes with its advantages as a music fan, with several large-scale gigs on Henshaw's doorstep. She avoided the crowds attempting to flee Malahide and return to the city centre after Charli XCX's recent performance. 'Public transport could link in better with some of the major events,' Imro chief executive Victor Finn commented. 'They're well flagged in advance so there could be better collaboration here. If there was better transportation I think it could cut down on other costs.' Henshaw has observed a surge in ticket prices since a return to regular scheduling post-pandemic. 'I used to go to quite a lot before Covid and it was so much cheaper.' [ Oasis sell out Croke Park after fans wait hours to buy tickets costing over €400 Opens in new window ] Demand is certainly high, a factor which, coupled with inflation, has driven ticket prices to new levels. 'There's a sort of social shift in experiencing live events and I think that's feeding into live music events as well,' said Finn, noting this demand. He has seen a 'very positive bounceback with live ticket sales' since Covid. 'Was it something to do with people wanting to get out and socialise more after the pandemic? There certainly seemed to be a need for people to get out and enjoy themselves and music has benefited from that.' While admittedly a big spender on music events, Henshaw said VIP tickets are where she draws the line, calling them 'a scam'. 'I have never paid VIP for a gig and I never will. Back in the day VIP used to mean soundchecks and meeting the artists, now it's a gift bag.' [ My three nights at Taylor Swift cost me €47 an hour. Cheaper than therapy Opens in new window ] She points to Taylor Swift's Eras tour VIP package as a recent example. Merchandise bundles included items like postcards, stickers, souvenir tickets and a commemorative tote bag, which doubled if not tripled ticket prices for fans. Henshaw said she paid approximately €200 for her front-standing Eras tour ticket, while a friend who opted for VIP paid almost €700 for an equally good view of the pop star. There are 'only a few' artists, she would pay to see 'over and over again', with Irish singers Hozier and CMAT among the favourites. Johnny Wang (23) a student from Ballsbridge, Dublin is 'not surprised in the slightest' that Irish adults are spending big when it comes to live music. Johnny Wang (23) at Lido Festival in London, June 2025. 'It's such a rip-off in Ireland at the moment. All the big acts people go to, they are going to get rinsed,' said Wang, who spent 'at least' €700 on concert tickets in the last year. 'Big venues are still charging people exorbitant amounts so I'm not surprised in the slightest.' Having attended about 10 gigs in the last 12 months, he says his most expensive purchase was for Lido Festival in London which saw alternative acts such Arca, Jamie xx and Panda Bear take to the stage in Victoria Park in June. General admission started at £75 (€87). Wang enjoys going to smaller gigs, sometimes to support friends such as Child of Prague, who recently performed in the Workman's Club. Tickets for the indie rock band's gig in May cost €12.50. 'I'd love to work in music so I enjoy seeing the technical aspect of performances,' he added. Wang played bass in another young band called Reco, who won a performance slot by popular vote at Trinity College's annual ball in 2023. Aoibhinn Clancy (22), from Dublin, said that gigs most likely 'take up the bulk' of her expenditure as a student who works part-time. Aoibhinn Clancy (22) before seeing Lana del Rey in concert this summer. She estimates that the 14 concert and festival tickets purchased in the last year cost her approximately €1,100, 'which is a lot, but I have never regretted spending money on a concert'. 'I'm someone who really enjoys spending money on an experience and it's for that reason I like the investment and having something to look forward to,' Clancy said. 'I've seen some really cool people in the last year, like, I went to see Elvis Costello with my mam.' Other highlights included Lana Del Rey at both the Aviva in Dublin and Wembley Stadium in London, Charli XCX in Birmingham and at Malahide Castle, and Primavera music festival in Barcelona. 'I think that concerts in Ireland can be quite expensive,' she says. The most Clancy paid for a single concert ticket last year was €150, for Lana Del Rey. 'I would say it was worth it.' With above-average annual spend on live music events, Clancy recognises herself as an outlier. 'I am definitely in the upper echelons of concertgoers among my age group ... Going to concerts is kind of my thing, my hobby.'
