KTIV NewsChannel 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and SportsConcert promoters singing the blues... but not in Sioux City

Concert promoters singing the blues... but not in Sioux City

SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KTIV) -  Many in the entertainment business are feeling the pinch.  Some say places like Sioux City are actually helping musicians and concert promoters weather the storm.

Crews worked up a sweat setting the stage for tonight's Gary Allen concert at the Tyson Events Center.

They'll have their work cut out for them come January, when Brad Paisley hits the stage in the same venue.  Surprising when you consider that many entertainers have been singing the blues in this economy. 

"There's 25% less artists touring this year than last year," the executive director of the Tyson Events Center explains.

Those who haven't parked their tour buses, are focused on two things to get you in the door: ticket prices and tour expenses.  That's why bigger named acts are scaling back and eying smaller venues.   Rush calls the Paisley tour a perfect example.

"We've been working on that concert for almost a year now," he admits.

The country crooner would normally play in a venue twice as big, like Omaha's Qwest Center.  However, he's more likely to sell out at the Tyson, and a smaller venue means smaller touring costs. 

"I think there's a lot of concerts that are looking to maximize their dollars.  Where can they give a fan a great value and a great show, where the costs aren't exaggerated, and Sioux City is a great option,"  Rush explains.

Giving concert goers and the artists themselves more bang for their buck

Rush says you can help decide who plays here next, by joining the Sioux City Convention Center and Tourism Bureau's facebook page  or signing up on their official website at http://www.siouxcitytourism.com/convention.htm.