Exclusive! Can Live Music and the Arts in Boston Grow with a Casino in Revere?

By Doug Ruffin
     President,
     Boston Music Coalition 

In an Exclusive interview regarding Live Music and the Arts in Greater Boston in relationship to a Casino in Revere; The Boston Music Coalition (BMC) talked with Both Chip Tuttle COO of Suffolk Downs and Gary Luderitz. Vice President of Operations And Development for Mohegan Sun.  We talked about the effects a Revere Casino could have on Live Music And the Arts in Greater Boston, The Election, The MBTA, and we also as, How can local Musicians get gigs at Mohegan Sun in Suffolk Downs? We start with Chip Tuttle. 

BMC: How long have you been COO of Suffolk Downs and what was you vision for Suffolk Downs from your start? 

Chip Tuttle: I was named chief operating officer of Suffolk Downs in August of 2007 after having previously served as the track’s Director of Marketing and Communications from 1992-1997.  Since returning, my job has been to guide our efforts to bring a world-class resort to our property and the community investment and economic benefits that would come with it.  At the same time, we have been working to preserve our 79-year-old racetrack and the livelihoods of the roughly 800 people who work at our facility during the racing season.

BMC: How does Mohegan Sun fit in to your vision for Suffolk Downs? 

Chip Tuttle: We are delighted to have Mohegan Sun as our partner.  Mohegan Sun provides us with the opportunity to develop a world-class destination resort on 42 acres of our property in Revere, while allowing us to keep our commitment to racing at our existing facility in East Boston.

As the operator of the largest grossing casino in the Western Hemisphere, Mohegan Sun knows how to create and deliver an exciting experience for its guests that keep them coming back again and again. Mohegan Sun knows the New England market better than any other operator and will draw visitors from across the region and the country to a one of a kind destination resort that will include memorable shopping, dining and entertainment experiences that will complement the resort’s gaming and hotel facilities.

We are very excited about the vision that Mohegan Sun has for this project and they share our commitment to making it something that the entire region can benefit from.

It’s always been my experience that whenever you find a Casino, entertainment is likely to follow. What entertainment venues will be present at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Revere?

Mohegan Sun Massachusetts has developed an exciting entertainment program to complement the offerings throughout Greater Boston and across the Commonwealth.  In the casino area, Mohegan Sun will provide a casino-style lounge that is similar to a small amphitheater.  For those who are familiar with the Mohegan Sun property in Connecticut, this will be similar to the Wolf Den.  This area would accommodate regional bands, music, videos, dancing and DJs.  Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will also feature a 1,000-seat multi-purpose room ideal for live entertainment. The resort casino will also feature clubs and nightlife, and additional information will be detailed in the coming months as partnerships are finalized.

For larger scale entertainment, Mohegan Sun has commitments to collaborate with venues in the Greater Boston region and the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. Mohegan Sun has entered into an agreement with the Citi Center for the Performing Arts to bring events to venues in Boston’s Theater District and the Strand Theatre, and to provide operational management at venues at Mohegan Sun Massachusetts. Mohegan Sun also has an agreement with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Performing Arts and will support a range of other live entertainment venues through cross-marketing, particularly when used with the Mohegan Sun Points Partnership Program.

At this point; Gary Luderitz joins in the conversation

BMC: What will the seating capacity be for each entertainment venue at Mohegan Sun at Suffolk Downs? 

Gary Luderitz: The gaming legislation allows for seating capacities of less than 1,000 and more than 3,500.  The Wolf Den would fall under the less than 1,000 category.  Currently, there are no plans for a 3,500 plus venue.  Mohegan Sun is committed to partnering with larger venues in the area.

BMC: Will entertainment include local or nationally known live music artists?

Gary Luderitz: One of the many benefits of a resort of this size and scope is the ability to offer a wide range of entertainment, both local and national.  The amphitheater area will be a logical venue for local live music artists to perform, as will some of the nightclubs that would be on-site.

BMC: How would a local musician gain gigs at Mohegan Sun at Suffolk Downs?

Gary Luderitz: Mohegan Sun is committed to bringing a diverse program of arts and entertainment to its destination resort in Massachusetts, including local and regional talent.  Mohegan Sun will work with its partners, such as Citi Center, to create an exciting program of performances and entertainment.  Additional details on how local musicians can access opportunities at Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will be finalized in the coming months.

BMC: What sort of entertainment-related full and part time positions would be available at Mohegan Sun?   

Gary Luderitz: Mohegan Sun Massachusetts will generate 4,000 permanent jobs in a variety of fields, including hospitality, marketing and entertainment.

BMC: Do you expect additional entertainment competition from greater Boston music venues once Mohegan Sun opens?

Gary Luderitz: As a major tourist destination, Mohegan Sun will attract visitors from all over the northeast and the nation.  With this influx of visitors to the area, I would expect that the demand for live entertainment in the Greater Boston area would increase as other venues look to attract these visitors.  In some cases, Mohegan Sun will partner with these venues and drive guests there through its points program.

BMC: Currently, The MBTA closes just after 12:30 AM. The Mohegan Sun Casino at Suffolk Downs is expected to be a 24 hour operation. Would you like the "T" to operate longer hours? What plans do you have to work with the MBTA to encourage longer hours on the "T" 

Gary Luderitz: With the Beachmont T station literally steps away from the entrance to the resort, the T will be a tremendous asset in getting people to and from the resort safely while reducing volume on surrounding roadways.  Mohegan Sun would welcome the expansion of service and will continue to work with transportation officials on how to best serve visitors to the property and local residents alike with the goal of maximizing public safety and minimizing transportation impacts in the community.

BMC: An election for Revere Residents to vote for or, against a Casino in Revere is set for February, 25th. Why should the entertainment community stand behind a Casino in Revere as apposed to a Casino in Everett or, anywhere else in Eastern Massachusetts? 

Gary Luderitz: The development that Mohegan Sun is proposing on the Suffolk Downs property in Revere is based on extending the economic and tourism benefits of the resort to as many other local and regional interests as possible, including the entertainment industry.  Overall, Mohegan Sun is planning to spend $50 million annually on goods and services from regional businesses – far more than any other competing operator has committed to.

In addition to the opportunities that would be available on site, Mohegan Sun will create a breadth of opportunities for area venues through its partnerships with other organizations, such as the one already established with the Citi Center for the Performing Arts.  As the leading name in gaming in New England, Mohegan Sun knows this market better than anyone.  Through its Momentum Points loyalty program, Mohegan Sun will encourage visitors to visit entertainment establishments in the region and use their points as currency at participating venues.

BMC: What can people who love live music and the local entertainment community do if they support a Casino at Suffolk Downs? More importantly, if a Casino license is granted to Mohegan Sun at Suffolk Downs, What will you promise the entertainment community and the music loving public?

First, if you live in Revere, you must to go the polls on Tuesday, February 25 and vote ‘Yes.’  For those who want the latest information on the proposal and ways to help, www.friendsofmohegansun.com is a great resource.  You can sign up to receive regular email updates about the project and upcoming events.  I would also encourage everyone to watch Mohegan Sun’s presentation to the Gaming Commission from January 22, which is available on the Commission’s website.

If Mohegan Sun earns a casino license, you can be sure that live music will be a regular entertainment offering and a variety of artists from diverse musical genres will be showcased.  Since the gaming law provides protection for venues with capacities of 1,000-3,500, I would expect those venues in the area to thrive as they look to attract visitors to Mohegan Sun.  Through its partnership programs, Mohegan Sun will seek to include local entertainment venues so that the entertainment community can share in the resort’s success.

BMC: Thank you for meeting with us at the Boston Music Coalition. Would you be willing to return for another interview in the future?

Chip Tuttle and Gary Luderitz: Certainly.  And thank you for giving us this opportunity.

The Beatles Changed The Music World. So why not Free Publicity for Your Band?

By: Doug Ruffin
      President,
      Boston Music Coalition


As we celebrate the history of the live music performance of The Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show on CBS Television fifty years ago; Live music performances throughout the world before the Beatles and happening now, reminds us that live music on line, on TV and on stage has been and always will be the focal point of music in any genre of music.

No Matter When, where or era lived in, technology of any kind can alter live music But never, so we hope, replace it.

The Beatles played Suffolk Downs many moons ago and James brown performed at the old Boston Garden. It aired live on WGBH Channel 2 just like so many classical concerts at Symphony Hall aired live on Channel 2 many years before that.

Memories of great performances come to life when a song is played and, when a band or artist is mentioned.

To keep the images of live music from Boston's past alive and to identify with the live music of today and what has yet to be trending; The Boston Music Coalition will soon be changing the look of its web site and move forward with images of Greater Boston Bands and artists.

To do this, we need your help. Bands and artists are invited to send photo images of recent performances. Please include your contact number and the name of the band or, stage name to info@BostonMusicCoalition.com

While no one can promise success, this is a real opportunity for greater Boston musicians of all genres to gain valuable FREE promotion and publicity. It's not the cover of the Rolling Stone; and yet, The home page of the Boston Music Coalition could get musicians the attention needed for gigs and additional opportunities.  

We look forward to hearing from all of you as a new year will bring a better Boston Music Coalition.

RECORDING ARTIST TRIBAL SAINTS INFUSING THEIR UNIQUE DANCE STYLE

by Chris Thor

Editors Mote: The Boston Music Coalition invites you to become a BMCiReporter. Chris Thor submitted this article and we are happy to share it with you.  To submit your music article about a band, artist or, music event; Please submit your article with your name and contact information to BMCiReporter@BostonMusicCoalition.com 


In the music game there are various ways a recording artist can build a reputation. One such way is to learn how to be diverse and crossover into different genres. Recording artists like Rihanna, Beyoncé and Chris Brown have done just that. Up-and-coming artist Tribal Saints has adopted that same philosophy. The founder of the group is Rob Liano whose background is rock. He was baptized in the rock music of the 80’s and 90’s but soon realized the potential of infusing his rock ‘n’ roll roots and percussive knowledge to the growing EDM movement.

“I'm a rock drummer first, been on tour, TV and radio but always loved dance music and the pulse and energy it evokes. So I took my percussive knowledge and writing talent and poured that into what I'm doing with Tribal Saints.”

The name Tribal Saints derived from the influence of rhythm and tribal beats combined with the positive vision of a saint which seemed fitting for what they wanted to accomplish through their music of uplifting groove driven tracks. Rob would eventually come in contact with Chris “The Greek” Panaghi, who has exceptional musical credits of his own. He would connect with Chris Panaghi through their love of music and together attend music industry events such as the Winter Music Conference.

In 2011 Tribal Saints would be born when Rob re-connected with Chris “The Greek” Panaghi who offered a collaborative environment with Amathus Music. Since then Tribal Saints have collaborated and released two solid tracks with the Rev-Players that have created a wild buzz. The first release “Party (It’s Alright)” featuring the sultry voice of Joie Giordano was a club favorite and managed to receive airplay on College Radio Stations as well as Radio Mixshow support, even charting on Record Pools nationally. Their next release, “Moments Of My Broken Heart” is another banger which featured the talented vocals of Niki Torre. That release has seen similar results as well as receiving a tremendous social media buzz.

“We have had great feedback, we're getting some good airplay and exposure and the artistry has been able to progress nicely.” the Tribal Saints reflect.

The Tribal Saints are not only recording artists but also have been involved on the remix end. They have remixed releases from artists like: DJ Zilos, Sophia Cruz and Rev-Players. Their remixes have a distinctive tribal, percussive vibe which offers a floor banging groove that is their signature. Rob admits that working with different artists unlocks certain creativity other that working solo does not offer. He prides himself as a team player and likes how the Amathus Music record label provides solid support.

Currently, Tribal Saints have collaborated with the powerhouse production team of Kosca and New York City native Doreen DeVore on the track “Celebrate”. This new release has pushed its way to the top right out of the box. Big support from the EDM community has propelled it onto the iTunes Dance Top Songs Sales Chart in the Top 50. They have been baptized in music and intend on blessing the masses with their talent!