Perform Downtown

The Farmers Market provides limited live entertainment as an operational component of the Market’s customer experience.

The purpose of the entertainment program is to create pleasant background ambiance that supports the Market’s primary functions of shopping, vendor commerce, pedestrian circulation, and community interaction.

The entertainment program is not intended to create a concert venue, performance stage, open-mic program, or general forum for public performances.

Performers are selected by Market management to provide entertainment services consistent with the specific operational purpose and format established by the Market.

Market entertainment shall be:

• Live;
• Primarily instrumental;
• Low-volume;
• Suitable for background listening;
• Appropriate for a daytime, all-ages marketplace;
• Compatible with normal customer and vendor conversations;
• Performed in a manner that encourages customers to continue circulating and shopping rather than congregating as an audience.

The fundamental standard is:

Entertainment should enhance the Market without becoming the primary attraction.

Performers must play a musical instrument as a substantive part of the performance.

The Market does not book:

• Karaoke performances;
• Vocalists performing exclusively to prerecorded music;
• Performers whose act consists primarily of singing over prerecorded backing tracks;
• DJs as regular Market background entertainment; or
• Performances in which prerecorded accompaniment substantially replaces live musicianship.

Limited electronic accompaniment, looping, or similar technology may be considered when it supplements rather than replaces the performer’s live instrumental performance and remains consistent with the background-music format.

Instrumental music is the preferred format for regular Market entertainment.

Vocals may be included when they are secondary to or integrated with live instrumental performance and remain consistent with the Market’s background-entertainment format.

When a proposed performance includes vocals, Market management may review a representative recording of the performer’s live performance to determine whether the proposed performance meets the same objective program standards applied to all performers, including:

• Ability to perform at an appropriate background volume;
• Consistent pitch, timing, and musical execution;
• Clear and controlled vocal delivery;
• Integration of vocals with live instrumental performance;
• Ability to maintain the Market’s background-entertainment format; and
• Professional performance presentation.

A performer may be selected for an instrumental-only engagement even when that performer normally incorporates vocals into other performances.

The Market seeks music characterized by moderate tempo, controlled dynamics, limited amplification, and a style conducive to background listening.

Styles commonly compatible with this format may include:

• Acoustic instrumental;
• Folk and Americana;
• Bluegrass;
• Acoustic country;
• Jazz;
• Blues;
• Acoustic pop or soft rock;
• Classical or contemporary strings;
• Guitar, violin, fiddle, cello, ukulele, keyboard, and similar instrumental performances;
• Small acoustic ensembles; and
• Traditional or cultural instrumental music.

These examples describe the musical characteristics sought by the program and are not intended to exclude performers based solely upon genre.

Performers from other musical traditions or genres may be considered when the proposed performance satisfies the Market’s established format, volume, instrumentation, and operational requirements.

Market entertainers provide background entertainment rather than featured performances.

Performers shall not structure their Market performance around:

• Repeated calls for audience participation;
• Encouraging customers to gather around the performance area;
• Extended speaking or emcee-style presentations;
• Shouting or other unnecessarily forceful vocal presentation;
• Activities intended primarily to create a stationary audience;
• Equipment or presentation designed for a concert-style performance; or
• Conduct that materially interferes with pedestrian circulation, vendor transactions, or Market operations.

Normal interaction between performers and customers is permitted and welcomed provided it remains incidental to the background-entertainment format.

Acoustic performance is preferred.

Limited amplification may be authorized when necessary to support the performance. Amplification shall reinforce the performer’s natural sound rather than project entertainment throughout the Market.

Large sound systems, subwoofers, excessive bass, high-powered amplification, or other equipment intended for concert-level sound are not appropriate for the regular Market entertainment program.

Conversation Standard

The operational sound standard for Market entertainment is:

A customer and vendor located near the performance area should be able to conduct a normal conversation at a normal speaking level without having to substantially raise their voices because of the entertainment.

Market staff may require volume adjustments during a performance to account for the performer’s location, vendor proximity, attendance, acoustics, and other operating conditions.

Performers must promptly comply with reasonable volume instructions from Market staff.

The Market may request a representative audio or video recording before selecting a performer.

Performers shall be evaluated using criteria related to the operational objectives of the entertainment program, including:

• Live instrumental musicianship;
• Compatibility with the background-entertainment format;
• Ability to perform effectively at low volume;
• Amount and type of amplification required;
• Suitability of the proposed repertoire for an all-ages public marketplace;
• Reliability and professionalism;
• Ability to perform within the assigned physical space;
• Compliance with Market operational requirements; and
• Past performance of Market contracts, when applicable.

Selection is based upon the needs of the Market’s entertainment program and does not create an entitlement to perform at the Market.

Previous selection does not guarantee future engagements.

Because entertainers are contracted or authorized to provide entertainment as part of the Market’s programmed activities, performers are expected to perform the repertoire and type of entertainment represented during the selection process.

Performances must remain suitable for the Market’s general, all-ages audience and background-entertainment format.

Performers may not materially change the nature, instrumentation, amplification, or format of the approved performance without prior authorization.

The Farmers Market exists primarily as a commercial marketplace for participating vendors and their customers.

Accordingly, vendor commerce, customer experience, accessibility, pedestrian circulation, safety, and Market operations take priority over entertainment.

Market staff may reasonably adjust performance location, volume, amplification, timing, or other operational aspects of a performance when necessary to maintain Market operations and the established entertainment format.

Failure to comply with the terms of the engagement or reasonable operational direction from Market staff may result in termination of the performance and may be considered when making future contracting decisions.

The Market shall administer this policy consistently and without regard to a performer’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or other status protected by applicable law.

Performer selections shall be based upon the established purpose, format, operational needs, and selection criteria of the Market entertainment program.

Nothing in this policy establishes the Farmers Market as an open performance venue or authorizes members of the public to conduct performances within Market-controlled areas outside of performers specifically contracted or authorized through the Market’s entertainment program.

First Friday is a recurring downtown community event designed to support downtown businesses, attract visitors, create pedestrian activity, and provide an engaging community experience.

Entertainment is programmed as one component of the overall event experience. Unlike regular Farmers Market entertainment, First Friday may include larger musical groups, featured entertainment, DJs, interactive performers, and entertainment specifically selected to complement an individual event theme.

The purpose of the entertainment program is to:

• Enhance the overall atmosphere of First Friday;
• Support the theme and programming objectives of each event;
• Encourage pedestrian activity throughout the event footprint;
• Create an engaging experience while supporting downtown businesses and vendors;
• Provide appropriate entertainment at designated locations; and
• Allow specialized or one-time entertainment when it directly supports an individual First Friday theme.

First Friday is a programmed event. Its entertainment program is not intended to function as an open-mic program or general public performance forum.

First Friday entertainment generally falls into two categories:

A. Regular First Friday Entertainment

Regular entertainment consists of performers whose style and format are appropriate for multiple First Friday events throughout the year.

Examples may include:

• Solo instrumentalists;
• Singer/instrumentalists;
• Duos and trios;
• Acoustic groups;
• Small bands;
• Jazz ensembles;
• Local musicians; and
• Other live entertainment compatible with the general First Friday environment.

Regular entertainers should provide music that contributes to the atmosphere without unnecessarily interfering with vendors, businesses, pedestrian circulation, or other programmed activities.

B. Theme-Specific or Special Entertainment

First Friday themes may justify entertainment that would not ordinarily be selected as regular or recurring First Friday entertainment.

Theme-specific entertainment is selected because of its direct relationship to the programming objectives of a particular event.

Examples could include:

• A church or community bell choir for a holiday-themed First Friday;
• A Mardi Gras or New Orleans-style band for a Mardi Gras-themed event;
• A DJ for a dance, decade, or other theme where recorded music is integral to the programming;
• A cultural music or dance group associated with a particular cultural celebration;
• Carolers or holiday musicians for a holiday event;
• A marching, drum, or brass ensemble for an event where that style supports the theme;
• Character performers or specialty entertainers;
• Dance groups;
• Demonstration performers;
• Larger bands or ensembles; or
• Other specialized entertainment directly related to an individual event’s theme.

Selection for a theme-specific engagement does not mean that the performer’s genre, format, or type of entertainment has been adopted as part of the regular First Friday entertainment program.

For example, a Mardi Gras band may be selected specifically because its music supports a Mardi Gras-themed event. That selection does not mean that Mardi Gras music is the preferred musical format for First Friday generally or that the group will be booked for unrelated First Friday events.

Likewise, a bell choir selected for a holiday event may be particularly well suited to that event without being appropriate for recurring monthly entertainment.

When entertainment is selected specifically because of an event theme, there should be a reasonable connection between the entertainment and the announced theme or programming objective.

Market/event staff should be able to identify that connection when making the booking decision.

Theme-specific selections may consider:

• Relationship of the performance to the announced event theme;
• Contribution to the intended atmosphere or experience;
• Type and size of performance appropriate for the designated location;
• Audience and anticipated attendance;
• Compatibility with other scheduled programming;
• Ability to operate safely within the event footprint; and
• Budget and programming needs.

Theme-specific entertainment may therefore differ substantially from month to month.

For regular musical entertainment, live musicianship is preferred.

Musicians should generally play an instrument as a substantive component of their performance. Singers performing primarily to prerecorded karaoke or canned backing tracks are not preferred for regular First Friday musical bookings.

However, unlike the Farmers Market entertainment program, First Friday may intentionally hire:

• DJs;
• Specialty vocal performances;
• Performers incorporating recorded music;
• Dance groups using recorded accompaniment; or
• Other entertainment formats

when that format has been specifically selected as part of the programming or theme for an individual event.

The exception exists because of the programming purpose of the particular engagement, rather than as a general relaxation of standards for recurring First Friday entertainment.

Vocals may be permitted as part of First Friday entertainment.

Performers selected for paid engagements should demonstrate a level of musicianship, preparation, reliability, and performance ability appropriate for a professionally programmed public event.

Management may request representative recordings or videos demonstrating the type of performance proposed for First Friday.

The sample should reasonably represent the performer, group, instrumentation, vocals, and performance format that will actually be provided.

First Friday may accommodate larger groups and more prominent performances than those generally appropriate for the Farmers Market.

Depending upon the event theme, location, and programming plan, First Friday may include:

• Full bands;
• Larger ensembles;
• DJs;
• Choirs;
• Dance groups;
• Cultural performance groups;
• Specialty acts; and
• Other featured entertainment.

Certain performances may intentionally serve as an attraction or create an audience at a designated location.

When a performance is intended to attract an audience, management should consider appropriate placement, available space, pedestrian circulation, nearby businesses and vendors, sound projection, emergency access, and other event operations.

Amplification may be permitted at First Friday when appropriate for the performer, location, and programming purpose.

Sound levels should be appropriate to the designated entertainment area and should not unnecessarily interfere with:

• Nearby businesses;
• Vendor transactions;
• Other entertainment areas;
• Announcements or event operations;
• Pedestrian circulation; or
• Other programmed activities.

Larger sound systems may be authorized for designated featured entertainment locations.

Performers may not independently increase amplification, add significant sound equipment, or materially alter the approved sound configuration without authorization.

Event management may require reasonable volume adjustments during the event based upon actual operating conditions.

First Friday entertainment is selected based upon the programming needs of the event.

Selection criteria may include:

• Musicianship or demonstrated performance ability;
• Compatibility with the general First Friday environment;
• Connection to a specific event theme when applicable;
• Type and size of the proposed performance;
• Appropriateness for the designated entertainment location;
• Sound and amplification requirements;
• Ability to perform within the available space;
• Reliability and professionalism;
• Suitability for an all-ages public event;
• Compatibility with other scheduled entertainment and programming;
• Budget;
• Need for variety within the entertainment schedule; and
• Past performance of event agreements, when applicable.

Submission of an application, demo, or proposal does not guarantee selection.

Previous participation does not guarantee future selection.

Entertainment is programmed according to the needs of each individual First Friday.

A performer may be:

• Booked regularly;
• Booked occasionally;
• Booked for a particular location;
• Booked only when a particular theme occurs; or
• Hired for a single event.

Selection for one First Friday does not create an expectation, preference, or entitlement to perform at subsequent First Friday events.

A performer who is particularly appropriate for one theme may not be appropriate for the programming objectives of another event.

Performances must be suitable for the anticipated audience and programming objectives of the event.

Performers are expected to substantially provide the type of performance, instrumentation, group size, repertoire, and format represented during the selection process.

Material changes to the approved performance—including additional performers, substantially different instrumentation, significant changes in amplification, or a different type of performance—require prior approval.

Entertainment is one component of First Friday and must operate within the needs of the overall event.

Public safety, accessibility, emergency access, pedestrian circulation, downtown business activity, vendor operations, and overall event management take priority over individual entertainment engagements.

Event management may reasonably adjust performance locations, schedules, sound levels, amplification, or other operational aspects when necessary to coordinate the event.

The entertainment program shall be administered consistently using criteria related to the programming and operational objectives of First Friday.

Selection of a particular performer, genre, group, DJ, or specialty act for a themed event reflects the programming needs of that particular event and should not be interpreted as an endorsement, preference, or general programming commitment to that genre or performance format for other First Friday events.

Nothing in this policy establishes First Friday as an open performance venue or authorizes individuals or groups to conduct performances within event-controlled areas without authorization from event management.