The Red and Black

By CARLA BRAY Staff Writer

If the Athens Downtown Development Authority doesn't submit a final application and a financial guarantee for the April 18 Widespread Panic concert by Friday, 25,000-plus fans may see their plans to hear the jam-rock band fade away.

"If they're going to put it together, they need to put it together," Athens-Clarke County Manager Crace said of the ADDA.

For events requiring ACC resources, a special events permit must be submitted to officials 30 days prior to the event, identifying what extra costs the city will bear.

Crace said he has a permit application from ADDA Director Art Jackson, but he hasn't received enough information to consider approval for the event.

The Community Events Program will contribute $11,750 to the event, but Crace estimated the additional cost for the event to be $61,520.

The ADDA should present a plan on how they will handle the guests at the event, Crace said.

"If we're inviting a group of out-of-town guests, I would think we owe the guests some thoughtfully planned program," Crace said. "I'd feel badly if people came, (and) their cars got towed or broken into. That's not fair (to the visitors)."

Crace said he wants a financial guarantee and a letter of intent to file a final application for the event from the ADDA this week. By April 10, he said he wants payment and an event management plan. If he doesn't get this information, the special events permit may not be approved.

Mary Armstrong of Brown Cat, Inc., the band's management arm, said she could not comment on the sponsorships that have been acquired.

"We hope everyone comes out and enjoys the show," she said. "That's all we're concentrating on right now."

Article Tools