Mayor Andy Berke got it exactly right when he stated his vision for the historic Tivoli Theatre and Chattanooga’s other downtown venues: “My number one goal is to have the facilities used more so that downtown has more activity.”
Actively programmed theaters help bring a city to life and serve as a powerful catalyst for sustained economic development. More shows and events in these venues means more people visiting downtown, eating in restaurants, shopping in stores, staying at hotels and taking part in making the city a more active, dynamic, and enjoyable place to live, work and play.
The formation of the Tivoli Foundation to guide and support this process was a key first step, providing the structure essential to furthering the mayor’s vision. This past June, after a competitive national process, AC Entertainment was selected to operate and program the Tivoli and the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium. We were proud to be selected and are inspired and excited by the opportunities and potential that we see in Chattanooga.
Our approach to operating historic theaters is modeled upon our success at the Historic Tennessee Theatre – as well as the Bijou Theatre – in downtown Knoxville. Next year will mark our 20th anniversary of operating and booking the Tennessee Theatre. Under the guidance and direction of the Historic Tennessee Theatre Foundation Board, the Tennessee Theatre has become one the most active venues of its kind in the country, presenting dozens of touring concerts of all kinds, a full Broadway series, comedians and more. It is also the “home” of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and the Knoxville Opera Company. During this time, the Tennessee has served as a vital catalyst to the remarkable renaissance of Knoxville’s now thriving downtown community.
Ten years ago, then-Mayor Bill Haslam asked AC to turn its attention to the Bijou Theatre, an exquisite vaudeville venue, 96 years old at the time, that had been forced to close due to debt and mismanagement. In partnership with the Bijou’s board of directors, this beautiful theater has now enjoyed a successful 10-year run, the first in its modern history. The Bijou celebrated its 106th birthday this year, with a thriving calendar and great years ahead.
Chattanooga is a great city. The vitality, energy and vision here are contagious. It was the first city outside of Knoxville where I presented a show – at the Tivoli – in the early 1980s. Since the founding of AC Entertainment in 1991, we’ve regularly presented concerts in Chattanooga and we have been proud to book Track 29 since it opened in September 2011.
We love what we do at AC – presenting great, world class concerts and events that bring people together for unforgettable experiences. Whether at our festivals like Bonnaroo and Big Ears or at beautiful historic theaters like the Tennessee and the Tivoli, it’s those shared moments and the sense of community that truly stand apart.
Hopefully by now you’ve heard of some of the exciting shows that are coming to Chattanooga. We’re just getting started there’s much more to come. In the meantime, we’re looking forward to getting to know you and to becoming more a part of Chattanooga’s exciting future. Cheers!
Ashley Capps is founder and CEO of AC Entertainment, a Knoxville-based music promotion company.