Momentum
continues to build as the partnership of Downtown entrepreneurs, Huntridge
Revival, LLC, and a team of community members and stakeholders kick off
crowdfunding efforts and announce initial plans to renovate and re-open one of
the most beloved pieces of Las Vegas history, The Huntridge Theatre. The group,
comprised of Downtown Las Vegas champion Michael Cornthwaite, Life is Beautiful
founder Rehan Choudhry and First Friday Las Vegas managing partner Joey Vanas,
will use crowdfunding to assist in raising the first level of capital needed
for the project. Funding will likely require a mix of private investment,
historical preservation dollars and alternative sources of financing to get the
entertainment venue back up and running, so the public’s support is crucial to
getting the project off the ground.
While
initial estimates suggest the project could end up in the $12M-$15M range, this
initial fundraising goal of $150,000 will be a small but very integral part of
getting there. In turning to local community members, the partnership intends
to give the people who have a long history with the venue, and those who will
be the future patrons, an easy way to play a very important role in the first
stage of its resurrection.
“The
reality is that we’ve received a ton of excitement and momentum, but we’ve
reached a point where we need this additional start-up capital required to move
forward; without local community buy-in it just won’t happen. And the time to
make the commitment is now – we need to show everyone that there is a want and
a need in Las Vegas to bring back this amazing venue,” said Joey Vanas, who
lives in the John S. Park neighborhood just a few blocks away from the theatre.
The
group plans to return the iconic building to its original glory and more,
restoring its place as Las Vegas’ favorite venue for live music, performing
arts and cinema. Also included in the early discussions are a food and beverage
outlet, a music education facility, a permanent exhibit curated by the
Huntridge Foundation to preserve and continue the history of this cultural
landmark, and flexible-use spaces for community-driven programming.
To
support these efforts to bring the Huntridge back to life, the public can make
a contribution and learn more about the campaign at www.TheHuntridge.com.
Perks
of supporting The Huntridge start with just a $5 contribution and incentives
include everything from merchandise and tickets to the grand opening to
personal parking spots:
$5 -
“Friend of the Huntridge”
Historic
Digital Show Poster.
$10 -
“Speak Up!”
Add
your voice to the process of community-driven programming at The Huntridge!
While the revival is primarily planned as a music and performing arts venue,
the space can accommodate all sorts of activities. Want to suggest your
favorite band or have a vote on what performances take place at the monthly
community-driven Speak Up! events? Be a
part of this Indiegogo-early-backers-only group and have your voice heard on
what happens at The Huntridge.
$25 -
“Poster Boy”
Historic
Physical Show Poster - wall graphic. Put
a piece of Vegas history on your wall with this 11x17 poster.
$30 -
“Dressed Down”
Limited
Edition "Save The Huntridge" T-Shirt. Includes Digital Show Poster.
Includes (1) Speak Up! vote.
$50 -
“Lover of the Arts”
Special
Edition 11x17 Artist Print - A Special Edition print from a soon
To-Be-Announced Local Artist. Includes Digital Show Poster, and (1) Speak Up!
vote.
$100
- “First Option is Yours”
1-year
Early Bird / Special Offers Membership - Receive first option, discount
tickets, and special offers for all events. Includes T-Shirt, Digital Show
Poster, and (1) Speak Up! vote.
$200
- “Wall of Gratitude”
Your
name on a brick of the Gratitude Wall at The Huntridge. Includes 1-year Early Bird / Special Offers
Membership. Includes T-shirt, Digital Show Poster, and (2) Speak Up! votes.
$500
- “Grand Opener Evangelist”
Two
Tickets to the Opening Night Show at The Huntridge in 2015. Includes 1-year
Early Bird / Special Offers Membership.
Includes T-Shirt, Digital Show Poster, and (5) Speak Up! votes.
$1,000
- “Grand Opener”
Two
Tickets to the Opening Night Show at The Huntridge in 2015. Includes 1-year
Early Bird / Special Offers Membership. Includes T-shirt, Digital Show Poster,
and (10) Speak Up! votes.
$2,500
- “VIP Grand Opener”
Two
VIP tickets to the Pre-Opening Party and Opening Night Show at The
Huntridge. Includes 1-year Early Bird /
Special Offers Membership. Includes T-shirt, Digital Show Poster, and (25)
Speak Up! votes.
$5,000
- “In the Back Door”
1
year VIP Parking spot, Keycard Access to Backstage Lounge, use of VIP
facilities at The Huntridge. Includes
lifetime Early Bird / Special Offers Membership, T-shirt, Digital Show Poster,
and (50) Speak Up! votes.
$25,000
- “Huntridge Angel”
Lifetime
VIP Parking spot, Keycard Access to Backstage Lounge, use of VIP facilities at
The Huntridge. Includes lifetime Early Bird / Special Offers Membership,
T-shirt, Digital Show Poster, and (250) Speak Up! votes.
Another
positive sign of community activism and way to contribute is by joining the
growing team of volunteers supporting the Save the Huntridge movement led by
former Huntridge employee Nicole Sligar.
“Like
many locals I spent some of the best years of my life in that place. I feel
like these guys have their hearts in the right place and I am giving them 100%
of my support! As a community, we need to rally behind them if we are going to
save our old friend,” said Nicole Sligar - previously known as “Nicole
Huntridge” because of her long-time employment and connection to the theatre.
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