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project management established that 75 percent of the center’ s revenue goes to the Brown County Community Foundation to be invested and returned to the community via grants for things like volunteer fire department radios or projects supporting arts and culture; while the other 25 percent of profits go to the county commissioners for pressing issues such as road resurfacing or sewer improvements.

This year, an estimated 90,000 fans will visit the music center. Webb said only about five percent of show-goers are Brown County residents.

Webb, formerly stadium operations manager for the San Diego Chargers before moving into live entertainment with Live Nation, has creatively worked to increase revenue with funding streams that the music center doesn’ t have to split with performers. He swapped out the concessions menu from hot dogs and pretzels to pulled pork and walking tacos, the bar now offers specialty drinks, and the center built a premiere parking lot and premiere VIP seating with in-chair bar service.

“ We’ re going to keep pushing the envelope and elevating ourselves so we can make the biggest community impact possible,” Webb said.

Another key to the venue’ s profitability, he said, is the“ army” of more than 250 volunteers who lower operating costs and make every show possible. Coming in the next year, an outdoor beer garden will be constructed by the Brown County Woodworkers Club as a new space for concertgoers to enjoy live music and drinks after a show and that can be rented for private parties.

Also on Webb’ s to-do list, is securing sponsors for the music center’ s spirits, beer, possibly wine, and“ possibly one more partner that helps us hit our bottom line so we can give more back to the community.”

He said he feels“ lucky and blessed” by the job he gets to do and can’ t wait to see the center’ s impact in the— hopefully uninterrupted— years to come.

“ If this is five,” Webb said, smiling,“ we can’ t wait to see you at 10.”

For information or upcoming shows visit < browncountymusiccenter. com >. •

For additional shows and tickets visit: www. BrownCountyMusicCenter. com

18 Our Brown County • Sept./ Oct. 2024