Community Concert was born in a time of turmoil when funding for the arts was not a reality in the 1920's. In 1927 an idea, destined to revolutionize the performing arts in America, sprang up simultaneously in two areas of the U.S.: the Great Lakes region and in several eastern states. Begun as a humble experiment, it grew into "the organized audience plan" and ultimately into "Community Concert",
the largest, most enduring network of performing arts presenters that has ever existed. Instead of struggling to make up deficits after the fact, money was raised first, and then the artists were hired. People were willing to shell out a modest sum for a season of three or four Concert even if they didn't know in advance what the Concert were going to be. Financial risk was eliminated. This idea fostered audience development on an unprecedented scale. Families and individuals that had been indifferent to "highbrow" single Concert were attracted to a whole season with varied Concert at a reasonable price. Community Concert flourished in the 30's in spite of the stock market crash in 1929 and the Depression. At the time of the crash there were 42 Community Concert Associations in America. Hard times have a way of throwing deep human values into high relief. It was obvious that the Concert were regarded as much more than mere entertainment; they were a lifeline to humanity, sanity, and normalcy. Food for the soul was as important as food on the table. In 1930, a group of prominent artists' managers in New York City formed a company that would become Columbia Artists Management, Inc. These managers adopted Community Concert and made it part of their new venture. With Columbia Artists impressive roster as its source for artists and attractions, the success of Community Concert was ensured. "A Carnegie Hall in Every Town" became the company's proud slogan. From 1945 through 1950, the total number of Community Associations rose from 330 to 1,008. Associations were formed not only in the U.S., but Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and briefly in South Africa. In 1993, Community Concerts and Columbia Artists Management, Inc. began the process of dissolving their relationship. As of recently, Palm Springs Community Concert Association draws most of its roster of artists & attractions from Live On Stage. The mission of Community Concert is to offer the opportunity to every man, woman, and child in this country to experience the magic of live performance BY BRINGING ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES TOGETHER.
