[Evoncalabbalo]

I have had great experiences at The Beatniq and will be doing my part to help out as best I can.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 10, 2009
Save Beat Niq Jazz Club by Sept 15th
To all Jazz fans, Musicians and Patrons,
CALGARY, AB - Bistro Piq Niq & Beat Niq Jazz & Social Club have been proud to support livemusic in Calgary weekly since 1995. As Artistic Director since 2000 and performing artist since the first year, I have been honoured to support the incredible efforts to present live jazz music in Calgary with business owners Rob and Connie Young. Initially we presented duos and trios in the upstairs restaurant once per week focusing on jazz and swing music. In March of 1997 the business expanded to include the basement and the Beat Niq Jazz & Social Club was born. As Calgary's premier jazz venue for 12 years, Beat Niq has paid out over $1,200,000 in artists fees overapproximately 2500 musical presentations. Revenue for the artists has come primarily from the door cover which has remained affordable at $5 - 15 for most events. Since we have not had the benefit of arts grants or donations, the business has always operated tight margins to give the
maximum amount of door revenue to the performing artists.
We regret to inform you that Piq Niq/Beat Niq is on the brink of closure as a result of the global economic crisis. There has been a significant slowdown in business in both the club and restaurant over the past 9 months and like many businesses in Calgary we noticed a sharp decrease in revenue starting in November of 2008. Given that our artist contracts are booked 4 - 6
months in advance we did not want to change any agreements but worked hard to increase our promotion with a monthly newsletter and more regular media listings. Our resources for marketing have always been limited but we have been lucky to have loyal and regular patrons that help spread the word and in combination with our restaurant business, the Beat Niq has been able to sustain itself. We also attempted to improve our situation with a membership drive at the beginning of June with hopes of raising some capital to offset the accumulating operating deficit. The membership program was completely restructured and we worked hard to create a program that would give jazz supporters a great value for their membership. Although it was not an easy time to start a membership drive, Beat Niq is pleased to have almost 100 new members at a promotional rate of $60/year but this was far short of our goal. Now the Piq Niq/Beat Niq business is nearly at an end. Overall the Piq Niq has subsidized the Beat
Niq artist fees at least $10,000/year which has accumulated to over $120,000. This does not include any losses associated with rent, utilities, stage and staffing costs which vary depending on each event but come primarily from the food and beverage sales. If not for a $50,000 personal
contribution to the business by the owners in late July, the business would be closed already. Although this allowed some important bills to get paid, unless there is a quick turnaround in business, there is no reserve to continue to operate at a loss.

Over the past week in consultation with several business partners, staff and key supporters we have been formulating a last ditch effort to save the club. This message is a call for help to our many great friends and fans that have supported our venue for the last 14 years. We have set September 15 as a deadline to raise enough funds to keep the doors open. It is our hope that
through memberships, donations and ticket sales for a major Jazz Gala scheduled for Sept. 10/11/12, we will achieve this target. Initially we need to raise at least $60,000 but along with the membership drive and Gala event, we will announce a corporate and personal donation campaign
which will allow a reserve fund to be established and allow improved promotion, technical and management support.
The full details of the gala will be announced shortly. The plan is to sell tickets at $100 which will include a one year membership. Current members will be able to buy tickets for $50. Please spread the word and help us keep a unique and vital Calgary music venue alive during these difficult financial times.
Best regards,
Gerry Hébert, Artistic Director
What can you do to help?
1. Buy a membership and catch some great music.
2. Buy tickets to the Jazz Gala.
3. Book your Holiday/Corporate Event at Beat Niq.
4. Make a lunch or dinner reservation in the Piq Niq this month.
5. Tell everyone you know.
Membership Cost
• 1 year - $80, Students, Seniors & Musicians - $50
• 2 years - $150
• 5 years - $350
• 10 years - $650
• Lifetime - $1000
Membership Privileges
• Cover charge discounts and Coupons for food and drink specials
• 10% off Beat Niq/Piq Niq food bill
• Guaranteed Seating reservations
• Advance schedules for concerts, newsletters and email updates
• Exclusive Members Only nights & discounts on club room rental for events
• Corporate Memberships Available
Beat Niq Jazz & Social Club Jazz Gala (Sept. 10/11/12, 2009)
• 2 bands/night, Silent auction, door-prizes, food & drink specials.
• Tickets $100 for non-members (includes a 1 year membership) or $50 for members.
• Wall of Fame campaign launch for donations
Contact Info
• Memberships & Donations: Rob Young - beatniq@telus.net - (403) 616-3246
• Media & Music Inquiries: Gerry Hébert - music@beatniq.com - (403) 660-5747
• Private & Corporate Events: Tara Thornton - events@beatniq.com - (403) 681-4332
Bistro Piq Niq & Beat Niq Jazz & Social Club (Est. 1995)
811 - 1st Street SW, T2P 7N2, (403) 263-1650
www.beatniq.com

[wooclosmercob]

The Beatniq is a great club. It will be a tragedy if it closes.