There is a basic principle in economics that states how when there is demand for a product, there is someone willing to supply that product. This principle can be applied to many different scenarios, and in turn, can be used to explain many aspects of life and the economy. In this case, it can be used in analyzing the state of the live music scene in Trenton, New Jersey. It is no secret that as of recently, Trenton has been having some economic troubles. But can music be the answer?

In the streets of Trenton, there are numerous abandoned buildings and empty spaces where businesses used to thrive. Trenton has even started a “Vacant Property Initiative” aimed at revitalizing empty spaces. Vacant city-owned properties can be sold for as low as $1 (Brunetti). These dismal conditions are not ideal for a city, but some people hope that such conditions might help in revitalizing the once vibrant Trenton music scene, by opening new venues in vacant properties. It is a legitimate proposal in a city with a rich musical history.

In its heyday during the eighties and nineties, City Gardens was the primary venue for rock music in Trenton. It attracted popular local and nationally renowned bands, as well as attracting the key driver of economic success in the music industry; fans. Bands such as Nirvana graced its stage. Once City Gardens closed, bands began to look elsewhere for gigs, but they were few and far between. Bands that came up through Trenton immediately after City Gardens closed, such as The Swinging Neckbreakers, attribute their relative lack of success to the closing of the rock venue (Frost). At a September, 2015 show for Trenton rock band Ween, who called City Gardens their “home”, the lead singer, Dean Ween, shared his views on the current state of live music in the city. “A steady venue post City Gardens has been a hard thing to come by for a band that loves to play Trenton as much as I do” (“Dean Ween Group…”). Clearly the lack of venues, combined with the abundance of potential venue spaces, creates an ideal economic climate for business owners to open new places for Trenton bands to call home, and perhaps even an east coast stop for more famous bands.

The only remaining key in making this idea an actual possibility is the most important part; demand. Recently, a classmate and I sat down to interview local musician Charles Laurita, who frequently plays in Trenton with his band. One of the questions that we brought up was if there are presently enough consumers willing to pay for concerts in the city. Charles felt that the current way that bands play gigs in Trenton, which is at bars, was not ideal in getting fans out to see live music because of the cramped conditions and non musically dedicated environment. He believes that the atmosphere that a proper concert brings such as lights, sound systems, and more floor space, would make fans justify paying a cover, and make a new dedicated music venue a success.

Time will only tell if a new venue will succeed in Trenton. Musicians are not economists, but neither are the fans that are willing to open their wallets to enjoy a quality performance, and at a quality that hasn’t been seen in Trenton for far too long. However, what is known, is that there are the right pieces in place for history to repeat itself, and for Trenton to once again become the home of local bands, and a destination for all of the others.

 

References

Brunetti, Michelle. “Mounting Property Foreclosures Have New Jersey Officials Seeking Solutions.” Pressofatlanticcity.com. N.p., 20 Nov. 2015. Web. 9 Dec. 2015.

“DEAN WEEN GROUP TO PERFORM ON CAPITAL GREEN.” The Trenton Times. N.p., 24 Sept. 2015. Web. 9 Dec. 2015. <http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/1581645274889FA8?p=AWNB>.

Frost, Scott. “Swingin’ Neckbreakers Found Fame with The Sopranos.” The Trentonian. N.p., 3 Apr. 2007. Web. 9 Dec. 2015.

Gruninger, Kurt, and Will Franklin. “The Modern Trenton Music Scene.” YouTube. YouTube, 30 Nov. 2015. Web. 9 Dec. 2015.

Live Concert at City Gardens. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 9 Dec. 2015. <http://doublecrossxx.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/badbrainssalerno1.png>.

NirvanaBootLegs. “Nirvana – City Gardens – Trenton, US 1991 (FULL).” YouTube. YouTube, 27 Sept. 2012. Web. 9 Dec. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iHroai3wTg>.