Septeber 11, 2001....and Its Effect on Entertainment

[TyteFystedFolkie]

Well, I can only comment on the circles in which I run, but NONE of my contacts or family indicate that they've cut-back on their consumption of entertainment as a result of the attacks of September 11, 2001. Soooo, I'm a little confused that Anne would draw a connection between declining attendance at Falcon Ridge and said attacks.

Anyone care to comment??

FWIW, the events of that day affected me deeply .....and, I'm not a party animal.

[alex]

We applaud your family and friends for their dedication and continued support of arts and entertainment. However, Anne said the general trend for all events post 9/11 was a big downturn in advance sales.

A quick search shows this is true. For example, the American Association of Museum reported a drop in attendance at American museums after 911. For Walt Disney Co. and other theme-park operators, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks continued to hurt sales for several years. Local Orchestras have reported a drop in attendance and revenue. Attendance at the Detroit Auto show dropped for 5 straight years. It goes on and on.

[TyteFystedFolkie]

Well, the drop in attendance at museums could easily be explained by individuals' infatuation with the Internet as a substitute (for the museum) learning experience. Besides, are we being 'museummed' to death, ie, there's just too many museums these days. Museum ad-naseum.

Disney World's attendance decline might likely be due to the aggravations involved with air travel these days. Admittedly, said aggravations are likely due to 9/11, but FEW of FRFF attendees require air transport.

Given the 'touchy-feely' character of folk music (festivals), I'd be inclined to think that that quality might result in increased attendance.

[alex]

I suppose I could waste my evening during a thorough google search, but I won't bother. I just wanted to give a brief abnd varied example across the board I will just trust Anne, who is in the loop with other festival directors to know what the trends are. I do know from personal experience that three other folk festivals I regularly attend have experienced declines in attendance over the past several years, but that is anecdotal evidence.

As for the museum comment, that was quite silly.

I will take the advice I have been given by others on this board and not bother replying to certain people.