Anthem Entertainment
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Rock ANTHEMs:
How One Nightlife Business Keeps Boston’s Live Music Scene Alive
January 17th, 2007 Insight Magazine
By Scott Kearnan
Even if our live joints close by 2am, there’s no doubt that Boston has made some pretty substantial contributions to the international music scene: Aerosmith is one of the most successful, important rock bands of all time. Donna Summer defined the sound of disco. The Mighty Mighty Bosstones took ska-punk mainstream, and even New Kids on the Block, our homegrown Dorchester boys, set the standard in look, sound – and screaming teenage girl hysteria – for future boy bands to follow; before there was Justin Timberlake, there was Joey McIntyre.
Maybe it’s the blustery New England cold, maybe it’s the angst-ridden frustrations of riding the rickety Green Line, or maybe it’s just that little ole place known as Berklee College of Music… but for whatever reason, Boston has always been willing to lend its spirit, its artistry and even its name to some of the most talented musicians of the modern era. Sure, there was that “Marky Mark” debacle once… but aren’t we all entitled to a few mistakes?
Anyone with half a foot in the local music scene knows that our city is continuing to crank out some quality acts and solo artists. And they also know that Anthem Entertainment is at the forefront of bringing these local talents to the broader Boston audience. As one of the city’s premiere nightlife marketing, promotions and entertainment businesses, Anthem has shown particular interest in promoting Boston’s live music scene… ensuring that this backbone of our city’s pop culture remains a thriving, rocking enterprise.
“Music, especially live music, is an important part of the nightlife scene in any city,” explains Chris Sinclair, Anthem’s Director of Business Development. “Sometimes Boston has a reputation for being a little staid, a little old-fashioned… people don’t often realize how exciting the local music scene is.”
Indeed, outside of the hipster Mecca of Allston, there’s little awareness of the city’s local music. Anthem is doing its best to change that: One of its most successful endeavors has been the “Bandland Summer Series” (a weekly Battle of the Bands previously held at venues like The Rack and The Greatest Bar). The Series will continue in 2007, yet another year of showcasing the best in local talent. Anthem is even taking the concept to a national scale, with plans to launch a collaborative (and competitive!) Battle throughout all its East Coast markets (other cities include Washington, DC and Charlotte, NC).
Sinclair, a big music fan himself, is proud of Anthem’s dedication to spotlighting live music: “There are so many talented bands and solo acts in the city, and many of them don’t have the opportunity to play for a big crowd,” he says. “It’s great that we’re able to give them that chance, an opportunity to get their music out there. You don’t want the world’s next Aerosmith to go unnoticed for too long!”
This month, music fans may have the chance to spot that “next big thing” at Anthem Music @ PURE, a high energy concert of “alternative, rock and hip hop fusion.” Anthem’s latest show, to be held on January 31 at PURE (the downstairs room at Boston’s famous Roxy Nightclub) will showcase nearly a dozen solo and group acts. Each of the disparate bands will bring something new to the table… er, stage: Trans Cardia is described as an “edgier No Doubt,” September Twilight brings power rock to the masses, and The Press will funk things up with their trademark brand of rap/jazz eclecticism (think Outkast… then erase the image of your grandma quoting “shake it like a Polaroid picture!”).
This month’s show is the latest in Anthem’s ongoing efforts to keep Boston’s local music scene active and thriving. “If we can give these musicians some attention, that’s great,” Sinclair says. “If we can give their audience a great night out… that’s even better.”
And soon, those audience members may even find themselves on the other side of the microphone: Anthem is in talks to produce a local, American Idol-style competition, awarding the winner a chance to sing the National Anthem at a Celtics game. For future Fantasias – and those achin’ to be Aiken – it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to step into the spotlight of center court.
“This is about giving Boston’s best their chance to shine,” Sinclair says. “And keeping the music scene fresh, new and exciting.”
In the words of Marky Mark, those sound like some “good vibrations” to us.
Anthem Music @ PURE starts at 7:00pm on January 31 at PURE (downstairs at the Roxy). Tickets are available at the door for $10, or $7 in advance at www.anthemevents.com See Anthem’s advertisement in this issue of INsite for a special offer to the first 25 readers at the show For a full listing of ongoing Anthem live music events, visit www.anthemevents.com