By Mariela Limon |Staff Writer|
San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors will allow Live Nation, a live entertainment and eCommerce company, to host up to four electronic dance shows a year in the San Manuel Amphitheater located in Glen Helen Regional Park.
According to Bret Gallagher, president of Live Nation for the Southern California region, Live Nation “is the worlds largest promoter of concerts.”
In hopes of creating more excitement for the fans, Live Nation plans to, “expand the number of shows that they offer at the venue,” said Keith Lee, director of regional parks department at the board of supervisors meeting on Jan. 29.
Live Nation has been increasing their success by “Studying the change in the music industry, Live Nation has been watching the growth of electronic music … and have desired to make it part of their portfolio here,” Lee said.
The request was successfully passed by a two out of three win from the board of supervisors.
“Electronic dance is a growth genre. We think its a great opportunity at the venue to place these types of shows here,” said Gallagher during the board meeting.
According to Live Nation, the San Manuel Amphitheater is the biggest outdoor amphitheater in the region which makes the venue ideal for these types of shows.
Live Nation officials also announced that a second temporary stage will be setup for shows that should typically house more that one disc jockey per show.
The entertainment company proposed that the venues operation hours be extended from 11 p.m. – 2 a.m. during the shows.
Security and the well-being of the concert goers and employees is a top priority for Live Nation and the city.
“We take our security and safety of our fans very seriously,” said Gallagher.
Captain Steve Dorcey, a representative of the San Bernardino Sheriffs Department, attended the board meeting as well and announced that additional security will be provided in addition to having undercover personnel, a helicopter and extra medical staff on standby on the night of the shows.
Along with the extra security, police will be able to verify the ages of the concert goers by scanning their IDs and making sure that all guests are 18 years of age and older.
The deal requires Live Nation to pay the county a one-time $5,000 fee and $1,500 for every concert to cover for maintenance costs.
Noise was one of the primary issues that board members had with the request.
“Due to our location next to a hill and its proximity away from populated areas noise should not be as bad,” said Lee.
Although it shouldn’t be a problem, officers will be out in the communities to monitor the levels of noise.
Officials noted that if at any time there are any problems, the county has the right to terminate the agreement.
Because of the proximity to CSUSB—a mere 10 miles away—the event is something students are looking forward to.
“I think its cool, especially since it’s nearby. It gives the students something to do,” said student Alejandra Gutierrez.
The first concert should take place sometime in March.
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