Nightflying: The Entertainment Guide

---Kody Ford

The Arkansas Music Pavilion has changed, only for the better. Brian Crowne, co-owner/manager of George’s Majestic Lounge and Fayetteville music veteran, has taken over the venue, along with his wife, Day, and fellow George’s owner Suzie Stephens. The AMP, a unique mid-size seasonal shed venue with 2,400 seats on the ground (not counting lawn seating), sits in the parking lot of the Northwest Arkansas mall. With its tall white roof, it stands majestically slowly but surely becoming a landmark for the NWA music scene.

The AMP fits a much-needed niche in NWA. George’s is a 700-capacity venue and the next place up is the Randall Tyson Track Center, which seats 9,000. Given its middle size, Crowne will be able to bring many acts that would normally play for crowds at places with a capacity in between to the two venues.

In February 2008, Crowne and his partners purchased the AMP, which was founded by Dan and Amy White along with Kelly Rourke and Joseph Boskus, and closed on the deal this past May.

“We purchased the AMP because we felt it had more potential to be explored and it's an important part of enhancing the quality of life in NWA through music which is art,” said Crowne. “I'm excited about continuing and expanding on Dan & Amy White's vision for the AMP. Some of the exciting changes are already having a tremendously positive splash.”

The new owners have moved the structure right up to the grass surrounding the parking lot and raised the structure with 3 foot piers and the stage by 2 feet, making the lawn area some of the best seats in the house.

However, the changes don’t stop there.

The AMP’s season has been expanded from May to September. The line-up has been diversified to include not only classic artists like KC & the Sunshine Band but also rockers The Black Crowes, Bruce Hornsby with Ricky Skaggs, and Top 40 chart-toppers OneRepublic.

A local’s-only stage has been added with shows beginning at 6 p.m. so no one has to wait around without entertainment. Crowne is pleased with the variety of the line-up. He said, “NWA has a diversity that makes is special and I feel the music of the AMP should reflect this fact.”

For those looking to enjoy the show in a higher-end fashion, the AMP has teamed up with Randal Wright of Eventures to design, what Crowne dubs a “very cool VIP lounge” (both figuratively and literally).

The VIP lounge now consists of the B Lounge and the air-conditioned Foster’s Wine Lounge. The VIP section is barricaded and contains new, padded seating. Crowne said, “Buy a table and experience the concert like you expect as a VIP. I promise you will be happy with this experience.”
The AMP is family-friendly too. Kids 12 and under get in free to the general admission lawn area. Also, Herman’s Ribhouse, Jose’s on Dickson and Papa John’s Pizza will be serving delicious food for anyone who gets hungry.

The AMP will also be working with various local charities this season, but Crowne said the list is not quite confirmed yet. In the past, the AMP has worked with a wide range of charities including the Boys & Girls Club, Pagnozzi Charities, and the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Giving back and respect for the patron are two rules that shape Crowne’s business approach. “I've spent the last 20 years in the music business as a performer, manager, agent and producer,” he said. “I've always believed in two things very strongly, make the band happy and make the ticket buyer happy and the rest will take care of itself. This philosophy has helped me revitalize and establish George's Majestic Lounge as the regions premier showcase venue over the last four years. I sincerely believe it will help grow the presence of The AMP to help increase our quality of life in NWA.”

The AMP isn’t the only change in Crowne’s life. Recently, Day gave birth to their second son, Hudson James Crowne, on June 5. They have 3 year-old named Payton. For Crowne, family provides the perfect complement to soothe the pressure of the music business. However, he says it’s a delicate balancing act.

“It's tough sometimes, but I'm blessed to have an understanding wife and a great staff,” Crowne said. “My family is 100 percent my priority. If work gets in the way too much, we'll adjust our lifestyle and I'll do something different for a living. Life's too short to miss out on what's important and at the end of the day it's my family.”

Even when putting on the inaugural Dickson Street Music Festival in April, Crowne still found time to see them.

“When I did the Dickson Street Music Festival back in April I missed putting Payton to bed on Friday night and it really upset him,” he said. “Saturday came and I told my partners I had to break for an hour or so and I put him to bed. That's the good stuff!”

Look for the family man to be giving it his all at the AMP this summer. Crowne hopes the AMP will provide a much-needed escape for the stresses of everyday life. He said, “Live music in a festive family-friendly environment is one of the best ways to renew yourself. So, come early, bring a blanket if you want, enjoy local food and spectacular entertainment this season at The AMP. If you liked the AMP in the past you will love the changes. If you didn't like the AMP in the past, you will be glad you came back. The buzz is out and it's good! The AMP is your number one entertainment choice.”

The Upcoming Summer Schedule:
Thurs., July 10—Cross Canadian Ragweed with Jason Isbell and Stoney LaRue

Friday, July 11— Majestic Concerts presents Ween

Sat., July 12—General Mills presents Pat Benatar

Sat., July 26—moe. with special guests Del McCoury Band

Sat., Aug. 14—An Evening with The Black Crowes

Tues., Aug. 26—G Love & Special Sauce with John Butler Trio

Fri., Oct. 3—Majestic Concerts presents Bruce Hornsby with Ricky Skaggs

For more information, visit: www.arkansasmusicpavilion.com.

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