Flat Iron Crossroads, the new music venue in Gloucester, saw its momentum come screeching to a halt last month as “stay in place” orders were issued across Virginia because of the COVID-19 crisis.
Considering self-quarantining and social distancing, the venue’s events for March, April, and most of May had to be canceled or rescheduled, said a press release.
But this did not deter the Flat Iron Crossroads board and volunteers, said the release. They instead embraced new technologies to push forward so that when open again the venue can provide quality live entertainment and education.
On March 22, Flat Iron ventured into the realm of livestreaming. The equipment was already in house when artist Bobby “Black Hat” Williams called board chairman Ray Friend and said that he wanted to do a live streaming show. Friend’s response was, “Heck yes!” said the release. Then Gloucester swing band Good Shot Judy heard about the streaming event and said, “Count us in.” There was less than a week to learn about and set up the equipment.
For the first attempt at livestreaming, Flat Iron Crossroads employed multiple layers of technology, including High-Resolution TPZ cameras, camcorders, iPhone cameras, HDMI converters, cabling, HDMI boosters, switchers, PreSonus Audio feeds, four layers of software, five layers of audio adjustments, and a newly installed lighting system, said the release. The effort was not without glitches, but the performance attracted almost 4,000 viewers, took in about $800, and was a learning experience for future shows.
On March 29, the Crossroads hosted local favorites the Ballast Band for a livestreaming fundraiser to benefit the Gloucester Mathews Care Clinic and raised nearly $2,500 for the clinic.
Due to concerns for the health of performers and volunteers, livestreaming has been suspended with the governor’s latest order, said the press release, but the two shows are still available for viewing on Flat Iron Crossroads’ Facebook page.
Many of the venue’s other past performances are now also available on Flat Iron Crossroads’ YouTube channel, https://tinyurl.com/FlatIronCrossroads.
In addition to rescheduling performances, the Flat Iron booking team continues to search for unique, high-quality entertainment, said the release. The 2015 Reggae Ambassador Mighty Joshua and Deering Banjo’s Goodtime Ambassador, Mean Mary, have both been scheduled, as well as Acoustic Artist of the Year in 2019 Rory Block, who has agreed to reschedule her performance to Aug. 2. This will kick off National Women’s Month at Flat Iron Crossroads, when powerful female artists will be featured throughout the month.
Finally, the venue has signed for its own radio show. Live at Flat Iron Crossroads will air from 7-8 p.m. Saturdays beginning June 6 on WXGM. The show will feature past and future performers. Radio show sponsorships will start at $100.
For more information or to schedule a radio show sponsorship, call 804-699-3361 or email info@flatironcrossroads.com.