Student Center basement is only place for musicians to perform on campus

After the Bar’N and the Green Room closed their doors late last month, many local bands were left scrambling for a place to play. Rathskeller programmer Alex Tucker said many of these acts have come to him.

“I have definitely received a lot more messages on the Rathskeller MySpace page from bands looking for a venue,” he said.

The Rathskeller is one of the only places on campus that regularly books musicians. Tucker said bands could technically play in the Student Center Ballroom, but it isn’t often an act that could bring in a big enough audience to make it worthwhile.

In addition to bands reaching out to the Rathskeller, Tucker said promotional companies who did business with the Bar’N and Green Room are contacting him as well.

According to their MySpace page, Lime Seed Productions is a Kent-based booking, promotions and consulting organization that has sponsored events at the Kent Stage in addition to the Green Room.

“We were only able to pick up one of (Lime Seed’s) shows,” Tucker said. “Our concert calendar is almost completely booked through the end of April.”

Another organization that has taken a hit from the closing of the Green Room is GTB Entertainment, Kent State’s student-run nonprofit record label and promotional agency. The agency represents local acts The Speedbumps, Tropidelic and Winslow.

GTB Entertainment’s public relations coordinator Shane McGee said the agency is in a tough spot as local venues, including the Rathskeller, are being booked more frequently.

“We had two pretty big events planned,” he said. “The one at the Green Room was canceled and the other might be in pretty bad shape.”

GTB Entertainment is worried that a show they’re promoting at the Robin Hood will get bumped from its spot, since Green Room staple Hot Knees, an indie music dance party, has taken over Wednesday nights.

Tucker said he hopes the problem will sort itself out over time.

“Once the weather gets warmer, bands might be able to play in Risman Plaza,” he said.

Tucker also said ACPB would like to sponsor acoustic shows in Eastway.

Contact on-campus entertainment reporter Katie Young [email protected].