Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Behind the Scenes - Alley Door Strikes a Chord


When Frauenthal Center staff were thinking of a new niche to hit in the Muskeon entertainment market, Bill Bodell was without a doubt that an informal music "club" would bring folks in. He was right on the money and the Alley Door Club, which got it's start almost a year ago is goinng strong. We caught up with Bill for an inside look behind the scenes of this event he helped get off the ground.



MS: I missed the big show last Friday, but everyone is talking about it. Tell us about the band, and the night, last Friday.

BB: It was standing room only when Big House Blues Band made their return engagement to the Alley Door Club. They played numbers from such greats as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bill Withers and Bonnie Raitt.

MS: I heard a comment in relation to Norah Jones new album that what she does is not a lot different than what you can hear at your local jazz club. What performers have come, or are coming, that you think could be as big as Norah, save a lucky break?

BB: Edye Evans Hyde would be a performer that I think of that is along the line of Norah Jones. Edye will be at the Alley Door on March the 23rd. Max and Ruth Bloomquist although they are folk artists and not jazz, they are only one lucky break away from national attention. Big Daddy Fox (Motown R&B) and Vincent Hayes Project (Blues) also we will be hearing a lot from in the future.

MS: How do you rate the Muskegon area in terms of local musical talent for a venue like the Alley Door Club?

BB: On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate our local talent at 14, I’m always amazed at the talent here in Muskegon. I just wished that The Alley Door Club could feature all of the talent that is here.

MS: do you rate the Muskegon area audience for its savvy and appreciation of the music you guys are bring to the Alley Door club?

BB: Again on a scale of 1 to 10 our audience is an 18 if not higher. They not only know what they like but they love to support Muskegon’s musical artists.

MS: What is the magic ingredient that has made the Alley Door club such a hit?

BB: FUN, The talent on stage, the workers backstage and our wonderful audience are all having fun

MS: Hey, thanks for time.

BB: Thank you and Thank You to everyone who has supported and will support the Alley Door Club

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posted by Dan & Sarah @ 2:53 PM 0 Comments

Behind the Scenes - Innovator marks First Year on Western Avenue

Main Street businesses are having to adapt to a changing consumer world and Joe Lalonde of Level 6 is doing just that. We caught up with Joe at his Western Ave storefront and asked him how his retail/delivery combo for urban footwear and skate board equipment was faring.

MS: How's business?

JL: With the mild weather through the end of the year I think people were still out skating, and of course December was really strong with Christmas sales. January has slowed with the cooler weather, and snow of late (makes skating pretty much impossible).

MS: How has the retail/delivery combo been working out?

JL: Better than hoped for. Word of mouth has really brought people in the door, in spite of the light foot traffic. So both sides of the combo are doing well.

MS: Any advice for folks thinking this might be a good business model for them?

JL: Do as much market research as possible, and pick a location that will be good for your business into the future. Location still makes a difference even with the delivery sales.

MS: Any new trends you see in relation to your business?

JL: The sneaker boutique concept really only started in 2003 in NYC, LA, and San Fransisco. Since then it has grown to most major cities, and I think you will see a lot more in the future of these boutiques in smaller cities as well.

MS: Hey, thanks for the time Joe. Keep up the good work.

JL: No problem.

More on the retail/delivery trend
Small-Town Shops Bulk Up on the Web
ShopMainStreet.org - an Initiative of the National Trust for Historic Preservation

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posted by Dan & Sarah @ 2:42 PM 0 Comments