Holy moly jazz at the ANBG has grown!

At present, it costs $5 (voluntary donation) for the whole family. If it were $5 each, there’s no way we’d go. Much as I’d love to expose my toddlers to more cultural experiences, there’s only so much we can afford while saving for a people-mover.

However, we’d still go if there were lesser-known bands playing, because the kids would still have fun doing their Wiggles impersonations to the sound of “Summertime”.

What I am trying to say is that these types of events are a wonderful outreach to people who are alienated by certain aspects of culture.

If you raise the price, the people who will drop off (and hence reduce the attendance – the goal) will be the people who can not afford to regularly dine and drink at the Mawson Club anyway. (Out of my price range – I’m saving for a wedding and future home ownership.)

It is if you are taking a family. Even for a couple it can turn an pleasant summertime indulgence in to something that has to be considered as an extra expense.

$5 is too much??

Charging for entry will just entrench the already predominant post mid-life chardonnay sippers.
The beauty of these types of events is that all people can attend and enjoy the location and music, whereas trendy jazz bars are out of the price range and demographics of many attendees to the ANBG Summer Sounds.

Or maybe get less popular bands playing – would give the smaller fish a chance to play to larger crowds, and you wouldn’t get people turning up just because a Canberra fave is playing.

I’ve been to this thing for a few years, and last week was by FAR the biggest I’ve ever seen. I’d like to say it’s cos it was in last week’s Riot-ACT wotz on discussion, but probably it’s just excellent organisation & marketing by Friends of ANBG.