A group of local artists and entrepenuers are seeking help in forming a new venue.  The Make & Model Music Hall, would offer a stage for local and regional bands and gallery space as well as house related businesses such as a record store and recording studio.  But organizers Mary Sparr and Will Kronenberger are asking for your help  to get it off the ground.

Will Kronenberger expressed his reasons for interest in the project saying, “I have been in Bowling Green for almost 3 years now and I love how open and accepting the music scene is here. To me the arts are flourishing and one thing that could totally set them off and open new doors would be a media collective like The Make and Model. Built into our business plan is a strong idea of working together with the community, to foster a conducive environment for the advancement of Bowling Green’s arts and entertainment. I believe that an all ages venue is needed to do this, in order to make sure that all demographics of our community are represented accurately, and provide a platform for those who are too young to play/see shows in bars to be heard and represented. I never cease to be amazed by the talent I see coming from the youngsters of Bowling Green. I’m very proud to be a part of this project and am confident that, with the acceptance and support of the community, The Make and Model will be a keystone in achieving proper recognition for Bowling Green’s arts and culture.”

Their business plan states, “The Make and Model intends to attract a growing number of patrons to our venue space for music shows. Additionally, we hope to attract artists, designers, audiophiles, readers, writers and all creative personas to showcase and distribute their work as well as observe and appreciate the work of others.”

According to Mary Sparr the venue will welcome all ages as well as all genres of music.  “I think the demographic from 16-21 is very much left out of the music scene in Bowling Green simply because of lack of opportunities. Now, that being said, I want to make clear that I am open and interested in booking musicians that appeal to as MANY demographics and age ranges, as possible. I’d love to do some genre-mixing, and social circle mixing by booking bands together that can really help shake up and improve their fan bases.” she said.

The recording studio on site will be Rory Willis’ Greyskull Recordings, choosen according to Sparr based on his reasonable rates and quality.  Willis explained how his studio would enhance the venue,  stating “Say for example: A touring band comes through Bowling Green to play Make & Model.   I would offer live recordings to them and also offer them a really good discount if they wanted to lay down a demo or EP. It would not only benefit the Make & Model but Bowling Green as a whole. Touring bands from everywhere would help spread the word that Bowling Green is a must stop for regional and national artists because of our hospitality and care for the music scene as a whole.”

Michael Dean will run the store Auggie’s Records.  He plans to specialize in vinyl, novelty items and local music.

In the future the collective hopes to expand and offer such services as web design, printing, photo and video work, graphic design, web marketing and web development, merchandising and distribution, and management and touring services.

Sparr would like to offer bands professional media kits and marketing materials to promote themselves.  She explained, “I was involved in media before I started working with this project. I founded an online magazine and I interned at a publication in New Orleans. It was disheartening to watch legitimately talented musicians and all creative people (artists/writers/actors) slip under the radar of the media, and in turn, the public, because they just hadn’t properly marketed themselves. Because I still believe so much in the power of media, I wanted to take my knowledge and the help of these other valuable contributors and DO something for Bowling Green. Will Kronenberger has his BA in entertainment business, Rory Willis has his recording skills, Michael Dean is in advertising as his day job, and has had prior experience managing a radio station. We are pooling our resources and interested in any support, suggestions, and especially donations right now to get things on the move. I believe in music and the arts and theater and all the creative potential energy that’s in Bowling Green so much that I can’t stand not to do this.”

To support the creation of The Make & Model Music Hall by donating towards their opening costs and deposit, visit www.kickstarter.com/projects/893950874/found-the-make-and-model-music-hall  The kickstarter profile offers a way for supporters to make monetary donations. The description on the page beckons “Your donation today goes directly toward a group of educated, driven 20-somethings who want to unify small business and the creative arts in your community.”  However, unless the goal of $5,500 is pledged by Wednesday June 2 at 12:59 a.m., no one’s pledge will be collected.  As of today $569 has been pledged. Several gifts are offered for donors at different levels, such as three free shows for a $10 donation and various collectibles for higher pledges.

You can also provide moral support on Facebook by liking their page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bowling-Green-KY/The-Make-Model-Music-Hall/120418027969570